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Compare Prevalite vs. Alosetron

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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.

  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Alosetron (Lotronex)
  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Alosetron (Lotronex)

  • Summary of Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine (Prevalite) is used to help lower cholesterol. It can also be used to treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. The medication can cause stomach-related side effects, like constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort.

    Summary for Antidiarrheal
    Prescription only

    Alosetron (Lotronex) is a serotonin antagonist. It's used to treat severe irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adult females. But alosetron (Lotronex) isn't a first-choice option and is typically only prescribed when other treatments haven't worked well. Alosetron (Lotronex) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Some common side effects include constipation, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available under the brand name Lotronex and as a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol (in combination with diet)
    •Itching caused by bile duct blockage
    Indications for
    •Severe irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in females (when other treatment options haven't worked well)

  • Pros and Cons of Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol in people who haven't been able to lower it with diet or exercise
    •Available as an easy-to-use powder formulation that can be mixed with soups, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can make you feel constipated
    •Need to get your blood checked frequently during the first few months of treatment and periodically thereafter
    •Doesn't lower cholesterol as well as other drugs like statins
    •Can cause tooth discoloration or tooth decay
    •May need to take vitamins A, D, E, K, folic acid, or iron if you're taking this medication for a long time
    •Might not be a good option if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines
    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal
    Pros
    •Might be a good option if other medications haven't worked for diarrhea
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Not a controlled medication, like some other antidiarrheals
    Cons
    •Not currently FDA approved for males
    •Can't be used in people with serious liver or gut conditions
    •Must be taken twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild constipation
    •Stomach discomfort
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating or gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (29%)
    •Abdominal discomfort and pain (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Common Side Effects for
    •BOWEL OBSTRUCTION OR BLOCKAGE
    •GREATER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •CONSTIPATION
    •TEETH PROBLEMS
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    •LOW FOLIC ACID LEVELS
    •VITAMIN INTERACTIONS
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious gut problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Prevalite vs. Alosetron

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Alosetron

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