Key takeaways
Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and Alosetron (Lotronex) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol and treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, which helps lower cholesterol levels. On the other hand, Alosetron is an antidiarrheal medication specifically for women with severe diarrhea from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). It blocks serotonin receptors in the gut to reduce abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Cholestyramine is available as a generic and comes in a powder form to be mixed in a liquid before taking, while Alosetron is also available as a generic but is taken as a pill. Cholestyramine can cause constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort, whereas Alosetron can lead to constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. Additionally, Alosetron has a risk of serious gastrointestinal problems like ischemic colitis, which requires immediate medical attention if symptoms like rectal bleeding occur.
