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What is Questran Light
CholestyramineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCholestyramine is a medication that helps your body get rid of bile acid. It is a type of polymeric compound that binds to bile acid and helps it be eliminated from the body. Cholestyramine is not soluble in water, but it is very good at absorbing liquids.
Cholestyramine Lightis the brand name
Questran Light Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cholestyramine Light
Cholestyramine
1994
47
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Cholestyramine, commonly known as Cholestyramine Light, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses like partial biliary obstruction and Hardening of the Arteries .partial biliary obstruction
Hardening of the Arteries
Helps manage Atherosclerosis
Itching
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
Effectiveness
How Questran Light Affects PatientsCholesterol is needed to create bile acids, which help with digestion. Normally, bile acids are secreted into the intestines and absorbed back into the liver. Cholestyramine resin binds with the bile acids in the intestines, forming an insoluble complex that gets passed out in the feces. This helps to prevent the bile acids from being reabsorbed and thus lowers their levels in the body.
How Questran Light works in the bodyCholestyramine is a medication that helps reduce the reabsorption of bile acids in the digestive tract. It works by sticking to anionic bile acids and forming a strong resin matrix. This creates an exchange of chloride anions with the bile acid particles. The medication is made up of a quaternary ammonium group attached to an inert styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Questran Light rests on the diagnosed condition, such as Hardening of the arteries, Itch and Primary Hypercholesterolemia. The portion likewise changes in accordance with the mode of delivery (e.g. Oral or Powder, for suspension) given in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hardening of the Arteries
, 4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg, 4000.0 mg/dose
, Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Powder, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Powder; Suspension - Oral
partial biliary obstruction
, 4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg, 4000.0 mg/dose
, Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Powder, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Itching
, 4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg, 4000.0 mg/dose
, Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Powder, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
, 4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg, 4000.0 mg/dose
, Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Powder, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Warnings
Questran Light ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
complete biliary obstruction
Do Not Combine
Common Questran Light Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Mycophenolate mofetil
Major
Cholestyramine may increase the excretion rate of Mycophenolate mofetil which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Mycophenolic acid
Major
Cholestyramine may increase the excretion rate of Mycophenolic acid which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Raloxifene
Major
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of Raloxifene resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(R)-warfarin
Minor
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of (R)-warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(S)-Warfarin
Minor
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of (S)-Warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Questran Light Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on the drug may lead to an obstruction in the stomach or intestines.
Questran Light Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Questran Light?
68 active studies are in progress to assess the potential of Questran Light to ameliorate Itch, partial biliary obstruction, and Primary Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Itching
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
partial biliary obstruction
0 Actively Recruiting
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
16 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hardening of the Arteries
42 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Questran Light Reviews: What are patients saying about Questran Light?
5Patient Review
4/7/2015 This medication has been a life-saver. I was struggling with severe diarrhea and couldn't leave the house without constant worry. After just six months of taking one sachet per day, I no longer have any issues.
5Patient Review
5/25/2012 I've been struggling with chronic diarrhea for six years now, and this medication has finally allowed me to have some semblance of a normal life again. I can't thank Questran enough!
5Patient Review
2/22/20084.7Patient Review
1/19/2019 Questtan Lite has been a godsend for my Lymphocytic Colitis. I was on steroids for two months prior, but I was still having to use the restroom several times per day. Since starting this medication, though, that urgency has gone away and I've had fewer trips to the bathroom overall.
4.7Patient Review
10/26/2009 Questran Light has been fantastic for me since having my gallbladder removed. It's completely stopped the chronic diarrhea I was experiencing. The only downside is the powdery texture, which makes it a bit difficult to take.
4.7Patient Review
6/20/2009 I wish this were available in pill form. The daily dose is tough to consume otherwise.
4.7Patient Review
11/15/2009 I'd been dealing with IBS for years by the time I saw a specialist in my senior year of high school. They prescribed me this medication, and it worked immediately. That was nine years ago, and I haven't had a single problem since. But now my doctor wants me to stop taking it before I try to get pregnant, and I'm honestly terrified that something will go wrong if I do. This drug has been a miracle for me, and I don't know if I can live without it.
4.7Patient Review
2/22/2011 The taste isn't great, but it's not terrible either. It's more of a gritty texture that turns my stomach.
4Patient Review
10/6/2014 After my intestinal surgery for Crohn's, this medication really helped to control my diarrhea.
3.3Patient Review
2/26/2009 Questran Light was recommended to me by my doctor, and it has been an absolute godsend. If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, I urge you to give this medication a try.
3.3Patient Review
10/16/2018 My stomach nerves were damaged during a hernia surgery, and ever since then I've had diarrhea 2-3 times per week. After taking Questran Lite for two weeks, I experienced perfect results; however, those good results have diminished over the past 6 weeks until now where I'm back at having dumping 2-3 times per week. Does anyone have any suggestions?
3Patient Review
1/11/2011 This medicine has been a godsend for me. I was originally misdiagnosed with IBS, but recently learned that I have Habba Syndrome, which is similar but caused by the overproduction of bile. This medication stops the reabsorption of bile and has completely alleviated my symptoms! The only downside is that the powder is very bitter and unpleasant to drink (even in Gatorade).
3Patient Review
7/16/2021 I've only just started taking this medication and experienced terrible stomach pain on the first day. However, I will persevere as I suffer from chronic diarrhea which can have me running to the bathroom up to 20 times a day. I'm also very sensitive to food and medications, so I'll keep trying this treatment and let you know how it goes.
2.7Patient Review
6/14/2022 I've had to take this powder for years due to bile acid malabsorption, and it's incredibly unpleasant. It does help with the diarrhoea, but I feel like I can't stand to take it another day. I've heard there's a pill available in the UK called Colesevelam that has the same effect, but it's not available in Australia. I hope there's some way I can get my hands on it because Questran is absolutely terrible.
2.7Patient Review
2/19/2011 I'm not sure if this will help me or not, but for those who want a pill form of the treatment, Welchol is available. I tried it last May for my hyperlipidemia and had to take six pills a day, which made me nauseous.
Patient Q&A Section about questran light
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Questran Light used for?
"This medicine helps to lower your body's cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. It works by adsorbing bile acids containing cholesterol in the digestive system, which are then eliminated from the body in the faeces."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of Questran Lite?
"The following effects may occur: constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
When should I take Questran?
"This medication is to be taken as prescribed by your doctor. The medication should be taken before a meal and/or at bedtime. Any other medications should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take cholestyramine to avoid interference with absorption."
Answered by AI
Is there an alternative to Questran Light?
"If questran & colesevelam are not available from your local pharmacies, colestipol granules (Brand name Cholestid) is the only alternative bile acid sequestrant available."
Answered by AI