Cholestyramine : Before Using - Questran, Questran Light

Cholestyramine - Oral

Brand Names

Questran, Questran Light Cholestyramine *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects *** Additional Information

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For cholestyramine, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to cholestyramine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Cholestyramine is not absorbed into the body and is not likely to cause problems. However, it may reduce absorption of vitamins into the body. Ask your family doctor whether you need to take extra vitamins.

Breast-feeding problem

Cholestyramine is not absorbed into the body and is not likely to cause problems. However, the reduced absorption of vitamins by the mother may effect the nursing infant.

Use for Children

This drug has been tested in a limited number of children. In effective doses, the drug has not been shown to cause various side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Elderly care

Side effects may be more likely to occur in diseaseds over 60 years of age, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of cholestyramine.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking cholestyramine it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Anticoagulants - blood thinners The effects of the anticoagulant may be changed and this may increase the risk of bleeding.

Digitalis glycosides - heart drug
Diuretics - water pills
Penicillin G, taken by mouth
Phenylbutazone
Propranolol - Inderal
Tetracyclines, taken by mouth - drug for infection
Thyroid hormones
Vancomycin, taken by mouth Cholestyramine may prevent these medication from help you

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of cholestyramine. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Bleeding problems
Constipation
Gallstones
Heart or blood vessel disease
Hemorrhoids
Stomach ulcer or other stomach problems
Underactive thyroid Cholestyramine may make these conditions worse

Kidney disease There is an increased risk of developing electrolyte problems - problems in the blood

Phenylketonuria Phenylalanine in aspartame is included in the sugar-free brand of cholestyramine and must be avoided. Aspartame can cause problems in people with phenylketonuria. Therefore, it is best if you avoid using the sugar-free product.