Lipid Disorders and Cholestyramine

Cholestyramine (Questran) is used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body.

Cholestyramine resin decreases production of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Read more details about Cholestyramine.

This medicine comes in powder or bar form and can be used alone or in combination with another cholesterol-lowering agent. Follow the diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider. Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless you are told to drink less liquid by your healthcare provider.

Powder:

• Mix with 1/2 cup of milk, fruit juice, or broth.
• Let stand for 1-2 minutes before mixing.
• May also mix with applesauce or crushed pineapple.

Bar:

• Chew thoroughly before swallowing.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Do not take any other medicines within 4-6 hours of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Headache.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Bloating.

• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe constipation.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Any rash.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.