Questran

Brand Name:PMS-Cholestyramine

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Cholestyramine is used to decrease the amount of bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in your blood. It can also be used to treat the symptoms of itchiness in people who have a liver condition called primary biliary cirrhosis or to treat some types of diarrhea (e.g. short bowel syndrome).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it or if you have specific cholesterol conditions such as hyperlipidemia types III, IV or V. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:
  • problems with constipation or hemorrhoids
  • a condition called steatorrhea
  • bleeding problems
  • gallstones
  • jaundice
  • a condition called phenylketonuria
  • problems with anemia
  • problems with high triglycerides

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects of this medication include:

  • constipation
  • stomach pain and bloating
  • indigestion, gas
  • nausea

These side effects are usually related to dose and should go away with time and can be less if the doses are increased slowly.

Other less common side effects include:

  • vomiting
  • decrease in the body’s ability to absorb vitamins A, D, E & K (your doctor may advise you to take supplements if you need cholestyramine long term)
  • steatorrhea (usually in people who are at risk for this)
  • colour change in teeth (continue with good oral hygiene and try not to sip or hold the medication in the mouth for a long time)
  • increase chances of bleeding or bruising (tell your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or an increase in bruising)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug.

This medication can interfere with how many medications work because cholestyramine will attach itself to other medications and prevent it from being absorbed into the body. If you are taking other medications, talk to your pharmacist about the best time to take the different medications since you will have to separate the cholestyramine from other medications by 1-6 hours.

Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely.

  • warfarin
  • digoxin
  • levothyroxine

Other information:

Lab tests: You will likely have to have blood tests taken periodically while taking this medication to check how well this medication is working in decreasing cholesterol levels.

Children: Can be used although it has not been very well studied. Lower doses required.

Seniors: More sensitive to side effects.

Pregnancy: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: It is important that you talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, especially if you are taking other medications. If you stop this medication while taking some medications, you may increase your chances of having side effects of the other medications. Even though you can not see or feel how this drug is working, you are still getting benefit from the medication. If you stop taking the medication, you will also lose any positive effect it is having on your cholesterol.

If you miss a dose: Take as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you are unsure of what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary Precautions: Follow a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet as discussed with your doctor or dietician. Vitamin supplements may be needed if you are taking this medication for a long time.