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What Is Questran?

Questran is a prescription medication containing cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant used to lower elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is supplied as a powder that must be mixed with liquid or suitable food before swallowing. Questran is also indicated to relieve itching associated with partial biliary obstruction. It works within the digestive tract by binding bile acids and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. Questran is available in regular and light formulations that differ in inactive ingredients and powder weight. It can interfere with the absorption of other medications and certain vitamins.

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What Is Questran?

Questran is a prescription medication containing cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant used to lower elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is supplied as a powder that must be mixed with liquid or suitable food before swallowing. Questran is also indicated to relieve itching associated with partial biliary obstruction. It works within the digestive tract by binding bile acids and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. Questran is available in regular and light formulations that differ in inactive ingredients and powder weight. It can interfere with the absorption of other medications and certain vitamins.

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How Does Questran Work?

Questran contains cholestyramine, an anion-exchange resin that binds bile acids in the intestine and prevents their reabsorption. The bound bile acids leave the body in stool. The liver then uses additional cholesterol to produce replacement bile acids, contributing to lower circulating LDL cholesterol levels. In patients with partial biliary obstruction, reducing bile acid recirculation can help relieve associated itching. Cholestyramine is not absorbed into the bloodstream to any significant degree. Its binding activity can also reduce absorption of oral medications and fat-soluble vitamins, requiring careful dosing intervals.

What Conditions Does Questran Treat?

Questran is approved as an adjunct to dietary treatment for lowering elevated LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia who have not responded adequately to diet alone. It can be used alongside other lipid-lowering treatments when clinically appropriate. Questran is also approved to relieve itching associated with partial biliary obstruction. It is not appropriate for patients with complete biliary obstruction, where bile cannot reach the intestine. Cholestyramine does not treat every cause of itching or elevated cholesterol. Clinicians assess cholesterol levels, triglycerides, digestive health, and possible medication interactions before treatment.

How Should Questran Be Taken?

Questran is taken orally after mixing the prescribed powder with liquid or a suitable moist food. The recommended adult starting dose is one packet or level scoop once or twice daily, with each measured dose supplying 4 grams of cholestyramine resin. A common maintenance amount is 8 mg to 16 grams of resin daily, divided into doses, with a maximum of 24 grams daily. The powder must never be swallowed dry. Other oral medications should generally be taken at least one hour before or four to six hours after Questran to reduce absorption interference. Dose adjustments depend on response and tolerance.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Questran?

Constipation is the most common adverse effect of Questran and may become severe, particularly in older patients or those with existing constipation. Other possible effects include abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, and gas. Rare complications include fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction. Long-term use can impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, potentially contributing to nutritional deficiencies or bleeding problems. Questran can also reduce absorption of many oral medications, including warfarin, thyroid hormones, and certain antibiotics. Patients should report severe abdominal pain, persistent constipation, unusual bleeding, or difficulty swallowing the prepared mixture.

Common Questions About Questran

Is Questran the same as cholestyramine?

Yes. Questran is a brand name for cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant used to lower LDL cholesterol and relieve selected cases of itching.

Can Questran treat itching?

Yes. Questran is approved to relieve itching associated with partial biliary obstruction. It is not a general treatment for every type of itching.

Can Questran be swallowed without mixing it?

No. Questran powder must be mixed with liquid or an appropriate moist food before swallowing. It should never be taken dry.

Can Questran interfere with other medications?

Yes. Questran can bind certain oral medications and reduce absorption. Other medicines are generally taken at least one hour before or four to six hours after a dose.

References

Cholestyramine. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548431/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Cholestyramine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cholestyramine. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Cholestyramine Resin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682672.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

DailyMed - QUESTRAN (cholestyramine) powder for oral suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=362ddd91-a63f-4ec6-841a-75785dd208c8. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Bile Acid Sequestrants. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549906/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.