Drug Notes - Cholestyramine (By mouth) | Lima Memorial Health System

Cholestyramine (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cholestyramine.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine just before eating or with meals.
You should not use the powder in dry form. Mix in 4 to 6 ounces of water, fruit juice, or milk until completely dissolved. Drink this mixture right away. Rinse the glass with more liquid and drink that too, so you get all of the medicine.
You may also mix the powder medicine in thin soup, with soft fruits such as fruit cocktail or crushed pineapple, or with milk in breakfast cereal.
Drink several glasses of liquids each day while using this medicine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using Coumadin®.
Cholestyramine may change the way many other medicines work. Take other medicines 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take cholestyramine.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you need help deciding the best time to take your medicines.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have thyroid problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, stomach problems, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Questran Light® contains aspartame (Nutrasweet®). If you have phenylketonuria you should avoid using this product.
Before you stop using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
This medicine is used with diet, exercise, and weight loss in overweight patients to control high cholesterol levels. To lower and keep your cholesterol normal, all of these are important.

Last Updated: 9/6/2024