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Questran

Generic name: Cholestyramine
Other brand name: Questran Light

Questran Dosage

ADULTS

The recommended starting dose is 1 single-dose packet or 1 level scoopful, 1 to 2 times daily. The usual maintenance dosage is a total of 2 to 4 packets or scoopfuls daily divided into 2 doses preferably at mealtime (usually before meals). The maximum daily dose is 6 packets or scoopfuls. Although the recommended dosing schedule is 2 times daily, your doctor may ask you to take Questran in up to 6 smaller doses per day.

CHILDREN

Experience with the use of Questranin infants and children is limited. If this medication is essential to your child's health, follow your doctor's recommended dosing schedule.

Uses of Questran

• Cholestyramine (koe-less-TEAR-a-meen) is used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Cholestyramine is also used to remove substances called bile acids from your body.
• This drug may also be prescribed to relieve itching associated with gallbladder obstruction.

Side Effects of Questran

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Questran. Side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bowel obstruction
• Low levels of folate in the blood. Folic acid supplements may be required
• Increased tendency to bleed due to vitamin K deficiency
• High levels of chloride in the blood resulting in high acid levels (hyperchloraemic acidosis)

Warnings and precautions before taking Questran:

• The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It is to be used with caution during pregnancy, bearing in mind it may reduce absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• The prolonged use of Questran may change acidity in the bloodstream, especially in younger and smaller individuals in whom the doses are relatively higher. Again, it is important that you or your child be checked by your doctor on a regular basis.
• If you have phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder, check with your doctor before taking Questran Light because this product contains phenylalanine.
• People with diabetes should be aware that each sachet of Questran contains 3.79g of sucrose. Questran light contains the sweetener aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine, instead of sucrose.

Drug Interaction :- If Questran is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Questran with the following:

• Digitalis (Lanoxin, Crystodigin)
• Estrogens and progestins (hormones)
• Phenobarbital
• Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin)
• Propranolol (Inderal)
• Spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone)
• Tetracycline (Achromycin V)

Overdose

No ill effects from an overdose have been reported. The main potential harm of an overdose would be obstruction of the stomach and intestines. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.