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Questran |
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What is Questran and why is it prescribed? Questran is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood of people with primary hypercholesterolemia. Questran can be used to lower cholesterol levels in people who also have hypertriglyceridemia, a condition in which an excess of fat is stored in the body. Questran may also be prescribed to relieve itching associated with gallbladder obstruction. It is available in two forms: Questran and Questran Light. The same instructions apply to both. To get the full benefit of Questran, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. How should you take Questran? Follow your doctors directions for taking Questran. Never take Questran in its dry form. Always mix it with water or other liquids before taking it. For Questran, use 2 to 6 ounces of liquid per packet or level scoopful; for Questran Light, use 2 to 3 ounces. Soups or fruits with a high moisture content, such as applesauce or crushed pineapple, can be used in place of beverages. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Store Questran at room temperature. Protect it from moisture and high humidity. Are there any Questran side effects? Questran side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common side effect of Questran is constipation. Less common or rare Questran side effects may include abdominal discomfort, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, backache, belching, black stools, bleeding around the teeth, blood in the urine, brittle bones, burnt odor to urine, dental cavities, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, hiccups, hives, increased sex drive, increased tendency to bleed due to vitamin K deficiency, inflammation of the eye, inflammation of the pancreas, irritation around the anal area, irritation of the skin and tongue, joint pain, lack or loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea, night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, painful or difficult urination, rash, rectal bleeding and/or pain, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, sour taste, swollen glands, tingling sensation, ulcer attack, vertigo, vitamin D deficiency, vomiting, weight gain or loss, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Questran? If Questran is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Questran with Digitalis (Lanoxin, Crystodigin), Estrogens and progestins (hormones), Oral diabetes drugs (such as DiaBeta and Diabinese), Penicillin G (Pentids, others), Phenobarbital, Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin), Propranolol (Inderal), Spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), Tetracycline (Achromycin V), Thiazide-type water pills (such as Diuril), Thyroid medication (such as Synthroid), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may recommend that you take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take Questran. If you are taking a drug such as digitalis (Lanoxin), stopping Questran could be hazardous, since you might experience exaggerated effects of the other drug. Consult your doctor before discontinuing Questran. This drug may interfere with normal digestion and absorption of fats, including fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. If supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K are essential to your health, your doctor may prescribe an alternative form of these vitamins. There are no special considerations regarding alcohol use with this medication. Are there any special warnings about Questran? If you have phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder, check with your doctor before taking Questran Light because this product contains phenylalanine. If you are being treated for any disease that contributes to increased blood cholesterol, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemia, obstructive liver disease, or alcoholism, or if you are taking any drugs that may raise cholesterol levels, consult your doctor before taking this medication. Caution is also in order if your kidney function is poor. Questran should begin to reduce cholesterol levels during the first month of therapy. If adequate reduction of cholesterol is not obtained, your doctor may increase the dosage or add other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Therefore, it is important that your doctor check your progress regularly. Questran does not cure the tendency to have high cholesterol levels but it helps control it. The use of Questran may produce or worsen constipation and aggravate hemorrhoids. If this happens, inform your doctor. To prevent constipation, the doctor may increase your dosage very slowly, and ask you to drink more fluids, take more fiber, or take a stool softener. If severe constipation develops anyway, the doctor may switch to a different drug. The prolonged use of Questran may change acidity in the bloodstream, especially in younger and smaller individuals in whom the doses are relatively higher. Again, it is important that you or your child be checked by your doctor on a regular basis. Sipping Questran or holding it in your mouth for a long period can lead to tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or decay. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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