Uses of Welchol

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Welchol, whose main ingredient is Colesevelam hydrochloride, is commonly used in the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes. Knowing the general information about the composition, indications, contraindications and side effects of Welchol will help improve the effectiveness of treatment.

1. What is Welchol?

Welchol is made in tablets or powder for water, with the main ingredients including:
Active ingredients:
Tablets: Colesevelam hydrochloride 625 mg. Powder for mixing: Colesevelam hydrochloride content 1.875 or 3.75 g. Excipients:
Tablets: Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon dioxide, HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) and Acetylized Monoglyceride just enough for 1 tablet. Mixing powder: Lemon flavor, Orange flavor, Propylene glycol alginate, Simethicone, Aspartame, Citric acid, Medium chain Triglyceride and Magnesium trisilicate just enough for 1 powder pack. The active ingredient Colesevelam hydrochloride in Welchol is a lipid-lowering polymer that binds to bile acids in the intestine, hindering their reabsorption. When the source of reabsorbed bile acids is depleted, the liver enzymes, or cholesterol 7-α-hydroxylase, are regulated, which increases the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. This leads to an increased demand for cholesterol in hepatocytes, leading to the dual effect of increasing the transcription and activity of the cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, and increasing the number of LDL receptors in the liver. These compensating effects lead to increased clearance of LDL-C from the blood, leading to a decrease in serum LDL-C concentrations. Blood triglyceride levels may remain unchanged or increase.

2. What are the effects of Welchol?

Welchol is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
An adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. As monotherapy or in combination with a statin to reduce LDL-C levels in children 10 to 17 years of age. Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve and control glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

3. Contraindications of the drug Welchol

Contraindicated to use Welchol drug in case:
Allergic hypersensitivity to any component of the drug Welchol. History of allergy to other drugs containing the active ingredient Colesevelam hydrochloride. The patient has a history of intestinal obstruction. The patient has a history of acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with blood triglyceride levels > 500 mg/dL.

4. Dosage and how to use Welchol

Note: Welchol should be taken with meals.
Primary hyperlipidemia:
Recommended dose for adults and children 10-17 years old:
Tablets: Take 6 tablets/time/day or 3 tablets/time x 2 times/day. Mixed powder: Drink 1 pack (3.75g)/time/day or 1 pack (1,875g)/time x 2 times/day. Check blood lipid levels in 4-6 weeks. Type 2 diabetes:
Recommended dose: Tablets: Take 6 tablets / time / day or 3 tablets / time x 2 times / day. Mixed powder: Drink 1 pack (3.75g)/time/day or 1 pack (1,875g)/time x 2 times/day.

5. Precautions when using Welchol

5.1 Side effects encountered when using Welchol Treatment with Welchol in high doses or for a long time can cause side effects such as:
Biochemistry: Increase blood triglycerides and lower blood glucose. Nervous system: Headache, dizziness, dizziness and visual disturbances. Cardiovascular: Myocardial infarction, coarctation of the aorta and bradycardia. Gastrointestinal: Intestinal obstruction, dysphagia or esophageal obstruction, constipation or diarrhea, pancreatitis, abdominal distension, exacerbation of hemorrhoids and elevated liver enzymes. Respiratory: Flu syndrome, rhinitis and pharyngitis. Skin: Allergic reactions such as rash, urticaria, rash, angioedema and skin redness. Body as a Whole: Body weakness and anaphylaxis. When detecting the above undesirable effects or any other abnormalities after taking Welchol, patients and relatives should promptly notify their doctor or go to a medical facility for timely treatment. .
5.2 Notes on the use of Welchol in subjects Be careful when using Welchol in children and the elderly, people with severe liver and kidney function impairment. The patient has a history of acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, those who have had gastrointestinal surgery, and those at risk for intestinal obstruction. Patient is suffering from vitamin K or fat soluble vitamin deficiency. Pregnant women: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Colesevelam hydrochloride as Group B, a group with no evidence of risk on pregnancy. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Welchol in pregnant women. Lactation: Active ingredient Colesevelam hydrochloride is not excreted in breast milk, however, there are no data on the harmful effects of Colesevelam hydrochloride on the infant. Therefore, caution should be exercised when Welchol is used in lactating women. Welchol should be used with caution in children under 10 years of age, because there are currently no studies confirming the safety of using Welchol in this subject. Drivers or machine operators often experience side effects that reduce alertness and concentration after using Welchol.

6. Welchol drug interactions

Welchol drug interactions are shown in the following table:

Above is basic information about ingredients, uses, doses and notes when using Welchol. In order to bring about the best treatment effect, patients and their relatives should carefully read the instructions for use of Welchol and strictly follow the treatment instructions of the doctor.

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