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Cholestyramine

Prescription

Bile Acid Sequestrant

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Anion-exchange resin that binds bile acids in the GI lumen, preventing their reabsorption in the ileum. Also binds enterotoxins (Clostridium), drugs, and fat-soluble vitamins. Used for bile acid diarrhea and toxin adsorption.

At a glance

Class

Bile Acid Sequestrant

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for bile acid diarrhea, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxicosis, cholestati

Dose

—

Route

PO (mixed with food, water)

Frequency

q12h

🐈

Cat

Used for bile acid-related diarrhea and enterotoxin binding

Dose

—

Route

Frequency

q12h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Stool consistencyFat-soluble vitamin levels with prolonged useEnsure other medications are separatedPruritus response (cholestatic)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Levothyroxine

major

Cholestyramine binds levothyroxine in the GI tract, reducing absorption by 50-90%. Renders thyroid replacement therapy ineffective.

Management: Separate by at least 4-6 hours. Give levothyroxine on empty stomach, cholestyramine with meals. Monitor T4.

Moderate — 2

Digoxin

moderate

Cholestyramine binds digoxin in the GI tract, reducing oral absorption.

Management: Separate by 2 hours. Give digoxin 1h before or 4h after cholestyramine.

Prednisolone

moderate

Cholestyramine may bind corticosteroids in GI tract, reducing absorption.

Management: Separate oral administration by at least 2 hours.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Questran

Prevalite

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used in pets. Anion-exchange resin that binds bile acids in the GI lumen, preventing their reabsorption in the ileum. Also binds enterotoxins (Clostridium), drugs, and fat-soluble vitamins. Used for bile acid diarrhea and toxin adsorption.

›What is Cholestyramine used for in pets?

Cholestyramine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for bile acid diarrhea, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxicosis, cholestati; Used for bile acid-related diarrhea and enterotoxin binding.

›What is the Cholestyramine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Cholestyramine is typically dosed as follows — Used for bile acid diarrhea, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxicosis, cholestati: undefined undefined PO (mixed with food/water) q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Cholestyramine dose for cats?

For cats, Cholestyramine is typically dosed as follows — Used for bile acid-related diarrhea and enterotoxin binding: undefined undefined PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Cholestyramine need a prescription?

Yes. Cholestyramine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database