Questran Light (Cholestyramine)

Questran Light (cholestyramine) Medication Information

Uses

Questran is a bile acid binding resin and it is used to lower cholesterol.

Dosage

Questran is available has a 4 g sachet. 

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Questran include:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Indigestion 
• Nausea
• Vomiting 

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Questran.

Precautions

Using Questran for a long time can reduce the body’s ability to absorb some vitamins from diet, in some cases supplements may be necessary.

If Questran is being given to a child it might be beneficial to give a supplement of folic acid with it. 

Interactions

The most common drug interactions with Questran include:

• Amiodarone
• Corticosteroids 
• Estrogen
• Fluvastatin
• Loop diuretic
• Methotrexate 
• Niacin
• Propranolol 

Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Questran. 

Storage

Store at room temperature (68-77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• Do not take Questran in its dry form, as it can cause you to choke
• Questran can be mixed with water, juice, milk, and other liquids or sauces. 
• Once Questran is mixed with the liquid or sauce allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes, and then stir or shake to combine.

Cholestyramine FAQs

Should Questran be taken with food?

Questran has been found to work best when taken with food. 

What is the best time of day to take Questran?

It is best to take Questran before meals or at bedtime. 

How long should you take Questran?

As long as you do not have unwanted side effects you can take Questran indefinitely. 

Is there an alternative to Questran?

There is another bile acid sequestrant called Colestid that is available. 

How quickly does Questran work?

It can take several weeks to see the full effect of Questran. 

Related Drugs

• Colestid
• Crestor
• Lescol
• Lipitor
• Livalo
• Niaspan
• Tricor
• Vytorin
• Welchol
• Zetia
• Zocor

Reference:

Questran Light {package insert}. Angers, France: Farmea; 2020.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10588.pdf