[lasly]

Hi , iv just started taking the powderd form,QUESTRAN, iv never herd of it befor, so can you help with information on this, eny heplp will be apresiated. thanks, lasly

[Geriwong]

Mechanism of action:

Questran is the brand name of the drug cholestyramine prescribed for hypercholesterolemia. It is non-absorbable resin that binds to bile acids in intestines, facilitating their excretion in faeces. The increased faecal loss of bile acids leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids and a decrease in serum cholesterol level.

Side effect:

As cholestyramine is not absorbed, most of S/E are related to gastro-intestinal. Constipation is common, but diarrhea, nausea & vomiting may also occur.

Caution:

Cholestyramine interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so supplements of vitamins A, D and K may be required for prolonged treatment.
Also cholestyramine is capable of binding other drugs (e.g. acetaminophen) to hinder their absorption, other drugs should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine to reduce interference with absorption.

[lasly]

Thankyou very much, that is realy helpfull, iv sufferd with terable head ackes, and a strange taste in my mouth since iv been taking this stuff, my tummy feels worse, DRs i think monday morn.
lasly.[8)]

[Geriwong]

If the side effects don't subside after taking the drug for a week or two, or the side effects become too troublesome, you may want to talk to your physician for an alternative cholesterol-lowering drug.

Good luck.

[lasly]

hi geriwong,
I was realy un well saturday night, the pains in my tummy were so bed i was asked to pop into casualty, well i could not go, i have no childcare for my children, so i had to ride it out, i was in terrable pain from 6pm till about 3.30 am, it hurt so much it was like i been punched in the tummy (winded).I still feel today very tender, my GP said i must not take eny more. i need to look at my diet. hopefully i will get better soon,
beast wishes lasly.

[Geriwong]

I am sorry for all the ordeal you have gone through, hopefully your doctor has prescribed another drug that can be well tolerated.

However, it is important to remember that therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) is always necessary no matter how effective your cholesterol-lowering drug is. The ideas that lifestyle changes are not needed as long as a drug is taken is not correct.

According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines, essential features of TLC include:

Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol (<200mg/day)
Increase intake of phytosterol and soluble fiber (10-25g/day)
Weight reduction if overweight
Increased physical activity

You may want to talk to a dietitian for advice on your diet. And hopefully your cholesterol level can be well controlled with the help of drugs and diet control. Good luck.

[lasly]

Just to let you know, i went to my GP, iv stoped this medication for the time being, she is waiting for the report from the hospital, then she will asses weather it was the right meds for me, but thankyou very much for your replys. Im also having to see a diettishion.
take care my bast wishes lasly.

[candychic96]

hey sory to but in but geriwong could u help me with my thing?if so go to the forum drug behavior.PPPLLLLLEEEEAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZ