This medicine is used to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. Cholestyramine (Questran) is also used to remove bile acids from your body.

Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully follow the directions for mixing the medicine with liquids or food. Never take it in its dry form. Mix with beverages, highly fluid soups, cereals, or pulpy fruit. Do not bake the drug in foods. If you do not understand the directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain.

A low-fat diet and regular exercise are important to reducing cholesterol. Follow your doctor's recommendations.

Do not miss a dose, and do not take double doses.

Please Note

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, so you can avoid medicines that may interfere with this medicine.

This medicine will control cholesterol only when taken regularly, in combination with a special diet and exercise program.

Possible Side Effects

Serious (report these to your doctor right away): Black tarry bowel movements, severe stomach pain, severe nausea and vomiting, severe constipation.

Other: Indigestion, bloating, diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions

This medicine may interfere with the effectiveness of other medicines you may be taking by mouth. Check with your doctor.

Be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.

This educational document includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Other Names For This Medication:

cholestyramine, oral; Cholybar (cholestyramine, oral); Questran (cholestyramine, oral); Questran Light (cholestyramine, oral); Colestid (colestipol, oral); colestipol, oral