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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Questran Powder Light and Equivalent

Questran Powder Light Information

Questran Powder Light (Cholestyramine) is used along with a proper diet to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol). In addition to a proper diet (such as a low cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. This medication causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels. Questran is also used to treat itching caused by a blockage in the bile ducts of the gallbladder. This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body.

Questran Powder Light Side Effects

The most common side effects of Questran Powder Light may include mild constipation, diarrhea; stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite; bloating or gas; irritation of your tongue; or itching or irritation around your rectal area. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Blood in your urine;
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• Ongoing or worsening constipation;
• Severe stomach pain.

Questran Powder Light Precautions

Do not use Questran Powder Light if you are allergic to Cholestyramine or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you have you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines or in your biliary tract. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you suffer from diabetes; suffer from renal disease; are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breast feeding, or intend to breastfeed; you have ever had chronic constipation; a thyroid disorder; liver disease; or coronary artery disease (clogged arteries). This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using Questran if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Taking Questran can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. Your doctor may recommend you take a vitamin supplement. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Questran Powder Light and other medications. The elderly may be more likely to experience gastro-intestinal side (unwanted) effects. Drink extra fluids to prevent constipation while you are taking Questran. Questran can affect the surfaces of your teeth. Sipping this medicine slowly or holding the liquid in your mouth for too long may result in tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly while you are using this medicine.

Do I need a prescription to order Questran Powder Light?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Questran Powder Light.