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Cholestyramine

Cholestyramine Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPDaisy Chau, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 6, 2026

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Constipation

Less Common Side Effects

  • Stomach discomfort or pain
  • Bloating or gas
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Burping
  • Reduced appetite
  • Fatty stool
  • Rash

Cholestyramine serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Stomach or intestine problems: no bowel movement, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools
When do Cholestyramine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Mild constipation
Stomach discomfort, bloating, or gas
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Cholestyramine side effects have also been reported

In some animal studies, cholestyramine was found to cause tumors. It is not known whether cholestyramine causes tumors in humans.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Black, tarry stools

stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Constipation

Rare

Loss of weight (sudden)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Heartburn or indigestion

nausea or vomiting

stomach pain

Less common

Belching

bloating

diarrhea

dizziness

headache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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