Questran (Cholestyramine)

QUESTRAN POWDER comes as a powder or a chewable bar.

The medicine is typically taken two to four times a day, before a meal or at bedtime.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking QUESTRAN POWDER.

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking QUESTRAN POWDER. Don't take more or less of the medicine than is recommended.

Powder

Stir the powder into a glass of water, milk, or other beverage. Drink the mixture slowly.

Rinse the glass you use with more of the beverage to be sure you consume all the powder.

If you're using a carbonated beverage, mix the powder slowly, so excessive foaming doesn't occur.

You can also mix the powder with applesauce, crushed pineapple, soup, or pureed fruit.

The powder can be mixed with hot foods, but don't heat the powder.

The color of the powder might vary from batch to batch. This doesn't change the effectiveness of the medicine.

QUESTRAN POWDER Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose of QUESTRAN POWDER

If you miss a dose of QUESTRAN POWDER, take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.

Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Common Side Effects of QUESTRAN POWDER

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:

• Constipation
• Gas or bloating
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn or indigestion

Serious Side Effects of QUESTRAN POWDER

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Unusual bleeding (including gum bleeding or bleeding from the rectum)
• Signs of an allergic reaction, which may include rash; hives; difficulty breathing; chest tightness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Black or bloody stools
• Severe nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual bruising

Before taking QUESTRAN POWDER, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• Heart disease
• Chest pain
• Stomach, intestinal, or gallbladder disease
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Bleeding or clotting problems
• A complete blockage of your biliary tract
• A stomach or bowel blockage
• Severe constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• High blood chloride levels
• Kidney problems
• Diabetes
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Liver problems
• Low blood volume
• Problems with staying hydrated
• An addiction to alcohol
• Allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Continue to take QUESTRAN POWDER even if you feel well. Don't stop taking this medicine without first talking to your physician.

Don't sip the QUESTRAN POWDER powder or hold it in your mouth for a long time. This can cause tooth problems such as discoloration, erosion of enamel, or decay.

Tell your doctor you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.

Make sure you follow your doctor's dietary and exercise recommendations while taking QUESTRAN POWDER. Be sure to keep all appointments with your physician and laboratory.

Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine. QUESTRAN POWDER should be used with caution in older adults and children.

Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve or worsen while taking QUESTRAN POWDER.

Pregnancy and QUESTRAN POWDER

It's not known whether QUESTRAN POWDER is safe to take during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medicine.

You should know that hormonal birth control methods (such as birth control pills) might not work as well while you're taking QUESTRAN POWDER. Talk to your doctor about other methods of birth control.

It's not known if QUESTRAN POWDER passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you're breastfeeding a baby.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking before taking QUESTRAN POWDER, especially:

• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin (warfarin)
• Arava (leflunomide)
• CellCept or Myfortic (mycophenolate)
• Cordarone (amiodarone)
• Digitoxin
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Imodium (loperamide)
• Inderal (propranolol)
• Iron
• Lanoxin (digoxin)
• Oral diabetes medications
• Phenobarbital
• Phenylbutazone
• Thyroid medications
• Vitamins

QUESTRAN POWDER may interfere with the absorption of other drugs.

Try to take other medicines at least one hour before or four hours after you take QUESTRAN POWDER.

QUESTRAN POWDER and Other Interactions

QUESTRAN POWDER may make you dizzy or drowsy.

Don't drive or perform any activity that requires alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.

QUESTRAN POWDER and Alcohol

Alcohol can worsen certain side effects of QUESTRAN POWDER.

Talk to your doctor before you consume alcohol while taking this medicine.