This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Questran Consumer Information
QUESTRAN
Generic Name: cholestyramine (koe leh STYE rah meen)
Brand Names: Cholestyramine Light, Locholest, Locholest Light, Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light
What is the most important information I should know about cholestyramine?
- Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are very important factors in controlling cholesterol.
- Avoid ingesting or breathing in the dry powder. Taken dry, the powder can cause a severe adverse reaction.
- Increase the amount of fluid in your diet to prevent constipation. Drink at least six to eight full glasses (8 ounces) of fluid daily. Talk to your doctor if constipation becomes a problem.
- Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a dose of cholestyramine. Cholestyramine can decrease the effectiveness of many other drugs if they are taken too close to one another.
What is cholestyramine?
- Cholestyramine is a drug that lowers cholesterol (a type of fat).
- Cholestyramine is used to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholestyramine is especially good at lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol). A rise in triglycerides (another type of fat) may occur.
- Lowering high cholesterol levels is an important part of preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Cholestyramine has also been used to treat the itching that is associated with a blockage of the biliary tract.
- Cholestyramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take cholestyramine?
- Do not take cholestyramine if you have a complete blockage of your biliary or gastrointestinal (stomach) tract.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism),
- have diabetes,
- have kidney disease,
- have liver disease, or
- suffer from constipation or hemorrhoids.
- You may not be able to take cholestyramine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Before taking any "light" formulation of cholestyramine (Cholestyramine Light, Prevalite, Locholest Light, Questran Light), tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria. These products contain phenylalanine.
- Cholestyramine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether cholestyramine will harm an unborn baby. Since the medication is not absorbed through the stomach, it is not believed to be dangerous during pregnancy. Do not take cholestyramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Cholestyramine decreases the absorption of certain vitamins. This could become a problem during breast-feeding. Do not take cholestyramine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cholestyramine?
- Take cholestyramine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Mix the powder with a noncarbonated beverage, soup, cereal, or pulpy fruit such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.
- Cholestyramine may be taken one to six times a day. It is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Avoid ingesting or breathing in the dry powder. Consuming the dry powder could cause a severe adverse reaction.
- Increase the amount of fluid in your diet to prevent constipation. Drink at least six to eight full glasses (8 ounces) of fluid daily.
- Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a dose of cholestyramine. Cholestyramine can decrease the effectiveness of many other drugs.
- Store cholestyramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a cholestyramine overdose are unknown, but an intestinal blockage leading to abdominal pain might be expected.
What should I avoid while taking cholestyramine?
- Avoid ingesting or breathing in the dry powder. Doing so could cause a severe adverse reaction.
- Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a dose of cholestyramine. Cholestyramine can decrease the effectiveness of many other drugs.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.