Questran Powder Information:

Questran(Cholestyramine) is an anion-exchange resin used to lower blood cholesterol levels. Questran(Cholestyramine) resin adsorbs and combines with the bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in the feces. This results in a partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation by preventing their absorption. The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to questran (Cholestyramine) leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids, a decrease in beta lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein plasma levels and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine resin produces an increase in hepatic synthesis of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol levels fall.

Questran Powder Side Effects:

Questran side effects, that may go away during treatment, include constipation, gas, nausea, or heartburn. If questran side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other questran side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Questran Powder Directions:

It is preferable to take this drug before meals, but you can adjust the time of the dosages around the scheduling of other oral medications. Take oral medications at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine. Do not take dry; mix each packet or level scoopful with at least 60-180 ml of water or noncarbonated beverage, highly fluid soup, or pulpy fruit such as applesauce or crushed pineapple. Mixtures can be refrigerated to improve palatability but do not cook because the drug can be inactivated

Questran Powder Precautions:

Precaution should be taken during preganacy and lactation because of possible malabsorption of fatsoluble vitamins. Vitamin supplementation might be needed with high dosage or long-term therapy. Children in particular might need multivitamins with folate and iron. Patients with osteoporosis might need to restrict dietary chorlide to limit calcium excretion. Also, diabetic patients should be warned that each sachet of Questran contains 3.79 g sucrose.