What is Questran Light (Cholestyramine) prescribed for?

Cholestyramine, along with the use of a proper diet, can lower cholesterol in the blood, Which in turn helps to decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Alongside a proper diet, such as a low cholesterol/low fat diet, other lifestyle changes may be included with your treatment. Exercising, losing weight if already overweight, and to quit smoking, all may benefit you since it will help the medication work better.

This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin, and it functions by removing bile avid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile avid by using the cholesterol in the blood, and overall helps to lower the cholesterol levels.

Cholestyramine may also be used to treat itching in people with too much bile acid caused by a certain type of liver/bile duct disease (partial biliary obstruction).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist on the matter. Take this medication directly has prescribed, and make sure to read the instructions on the prescription label.  And if you have any concerns, speak with your medical professional.

This medication is taken by mouth, usually 1 to 2 times a day. This medicine comes in the form of powder with doses measured by a scoopful or in individual packets. Do not take your dose in the dry powder form.

Mix the medication in at least 2 to 6 ounces of a liquid such as water, milk, or fruit juice. Stir completely and then drink right away.  Then rinse your glass and then drink the rinse liquid to be sure you have taken the entire dose. You may also mix the powder with watery soups, applesauce, and pulpy fruit which has a lot of juice, such as crushed pineapple and peaches.

Do not hold the mixture in your mouth for long since doing so can damage your teeth. And remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your overall response to the treatment.

To reduce the risk of any side effects your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and then gradually increase your dose as time goes on.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Cholestyramine; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform your doctor of your Medical history, especially if you have ever had the following; constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney disease.

Some products may contain sugar or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients (such as folic acid, fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Consult your doctor for more information.

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual bleeding/bruising, rapid breathing, confusion. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What is Cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is the active ingredient found inside the brand-name product Questran Light. It belongs to the drug class called bile acid sequestrants; these types of drugs have an effect on bile acid. It comes in the form of a powder which is mixed with a liquid to create a mixture. Once it is administered, it is metabolized by bile acids with a half-life of only 1 hour and is then excreted through human waste (feces). We carry the brand-name product at My Drug Center, available to those with a valid prescription.

What is Cholestyramine used for?

Questran, the brand-name product containing Cholestyramine, is used for the treatment of high cholesterol in the blood stream. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high can help reduce the risk of further complications, such as heart diseases and clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). It may also be used for the treatment of diarrhea as a result of bile acid malabsorption (a condition in which your intestines cannot absorb bile acids correctly).

How does Cholestyramine work?

Questran (Cholestyramine) works by binding bile acids in the intestines to eliminate them from the body through feces. When the body recognizes this loss of bile acid, it will begin to create more. The body creates bile acid by using cholesterol found in the blood stream. Once the body begins to create more bile acid, it will ultimately lower the total amount of cholesterol found in the blood. Additionally, Cholestyramine reduces the activity of bile acids in the large intestine which helps to reduce diarrhea when it is caused by bile acid malabsorption.

How long does it take Cholestyramine to start working for diarrhea?

This medication could take up to a month before the full effect is felt, but it will vary between each individual. Continue taking the medication as prescribed to get the best results.

How to take Cholestyramine?

You should take your Questran light dose with a meal if your doctor hasn’t directed otherwise. It is usually taken 1-2 times per day; your doctor will let you know exactly how often and how much to take when it is prescribed to you. Questran light comes as a powder that you mix with water or a non-carbonated beverage; do NOT take the powder by itself. Additionally, it may be mixed with brothy soup, crushed pineapple, or applesauce. It is typically mixed with at least 2-3 ounces of water (or whatever acceptable beverage or food you decide on). Before starting treatment, ensure you have discussed with your doctor, and fully understand, how to use this medication correctly.

Where can I buy Questran Light?

You can purchase Questran Light from the comfort of your own home when you order internationally from My Drug Center. We carry the brand-name form of Questran Light (4g) in 50 and 150 sachets for as low as $78.00. All you need is a valid prescription to get started.