Part Two of Questran Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of cholestyramine?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cholestyramine and seek emergency medical attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • an increased heart rate or chest pain;
    • black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
    • unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cholestyramine and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • constipation;
    • abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, or flatulence;
    • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, or decreased appetite;
    • hiccups or a sour taste in your mouth;
    • headache; or
    • dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cholestyramine?

  • The absorption of many drugs may be decreased when they are taken with cholestyramine. Take all other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a dose of cholestyramine. The following list includes some, but not all, of the drugs that may have decreased effects when taken with cholestyramine:
    • pain, fever, and inflammation reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn), and others;
    • antibiotics such as penicillins (Amoxil, Augmentin, Pen VK, Veetids, others), tetracyclines (Sumycin, Achromycin, Minocin, Doryx, Doxy, Vibramycin, others), and clindamycin (Cleocin);
    • heart medicines such as digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), propranolol (Inderal), methyldopa (Aldomet), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril), chlorothiazide (Diuril), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
    • diabetes medications such as glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others;
    • anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
    • other cholesterol treatments such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), and nicotinic acid (niacin);
    • thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid);
    • medicines used to treat depression, such as imipramine (Tofranil);
    • gallstone medications such as ursodiol (Actigall);
    • seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
    • estrogen and progesterone hormones such as Premarin, Premphase, Prempro, Estraderm, Ogen, Menest, Estratest, Estratab, Provera, and others;
    • fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K (you may require vitamin supplements); and
    • steroid drugs such as hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone).
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cholestyramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has more information about cholestyramine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 4.04. Revision date: 7/18/03.

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