Questran generic Cholestyramine may be described as an oral, bile acid sequestrant which efficiently removes substances called bile acids from within the body.
Questran generic Cholestyramine is used to effectively treat an overdose of Digitalis glycoside and increased oxalate levels found in urine.
Furthermore, generic Cholestyramine is also used to effectively reduce cholesterol levels, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is also known as (`bad` cholesterol) from the blood stream.
Lastly, Questran generic Cholestyramine is also used to effectively improve the severe itching sensation caused by liver and biliary complications. Generic Cholestyramine is also used to effectively prevent numerous medical complications that arise when ones blood vessels are clogged by excessively high cholesterol levels.
Questran generic Cholestyramine is available in 4gm sachets. To treat high cholesterol levels and pruritus (itching) related to biliary obstruction initially, the average dosage of generic Cholestyramine recommended in the case of adults is 4 grams once or twice a day before meals. You can increase your dose to 8 grams or 24 grams a day which will be divided into two to six doses. But, you must increase your dosage only after you have consulted your health care professional. However, if you are taking Questran generic Cholestyramine to reduce high cholesterol levels it is important for you to strictly follow the exercise regime and diet provided by your health care professional. This type of a diet may involve food and beverage products that are low in fats, sugars and cholesterol.
Furthermore, you must keep in mind that generic Cholestyramine must not be taken in its dry form, since this could make you choke. However, the correct procedure to take this medication is very simple. Place Questran generic Cholestyramine in 2 ounces of any type of beverage (except alcohol) and mix well. Then add an additional 2 to 4 ounces more of the same beverage and again mix thoroughly. But, you must not expect this mixture to dissolve before taking it. Once the contents in the glass are empty, rinse the glass with a little more of the same liquid and drink that in one go just to make sure that none of the medication is left behind. You may also mix generic Cholestyramine in hot or cold milk along with regular breakfast cereals or in thin soups, such as tomato or chicken noodle soup.
Lastly, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Questran generic Cholestyramine you do not understand. You must also be sure to take generic Cholestyramine exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Questran generic Cholestyramine without prior confirmation from your health care professional. Your dose must be gradually decreased, since certain conditions may worsen when generic Cholestyramine is abruptly discontinued. Speak with your health care professional pertaining to the use of Questran generic Cholestyramine in the case of children.
While on an ongoing course of Questran generic Cholestyramine if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.
Sometimes, generic Cholestyramine may cause the patient to experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of weight, heartburn and indigestion.
Furthermore, Questran generic Cholestyramine may cause the patient to experience belching, a bloated feeling, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, dizziness and headaches.
If you are on an ongoing course of Questran generic Cholestyramine before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.
Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to generic Cholestyramine or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.
Sometimes, Questran generic Cholestyramine interacts with various medications, such as Digoxin, Phenylbutazone, Tetracycline, Warfarin, Propranolol and Vancomycin.
In case of an overdose of Questran generic Cholestyramine, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Furthermore, an overdose of generic Cholestyramine may cause one to experience stomach pain or severe constipation.
Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, PAP tests, breast and pelvic tests, a mammogram, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Questran generic Cholestyramine, monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of generic Cholestyramine and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Furthermore, while on an ongoing course of Questran generic Cholestyramine, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery you must consult your health care professional. If you conceive whilst on a course of generic Cholestyramine inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or breast feeding or planning to conceive. Questran generic Cholestyramine does not pass into breast milk.
It is important that you do not take a double dose of generic Cholestyramine to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.
You must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Questran generic Cholestyramine for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Store Questran generic Cholestyramine in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 86 degrees F or 15 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.
Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any generic Cholestyramine medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Questran generic Cholestyramine medication.
It is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Questran generic Cholestyramine they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from bleeding complications, severe bouts of constipation, gallstones, heart complications, hemorrhoids or blood vessel complications.
Furthermore, it is also very important for the patient to know that before consuming generic Cholestyramine they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from stomach ulcers, swallowing complications, hypothyroidism (under active thyroid), kidney complications or Phenylketonuria.
Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Questran generic Cholestyramine, you may be required to take extra vitamins, since sometimes this medication marginally reduces the absorption of vitamins by the body. Elderly patients must exert caution while on an ongoing course of generic Cholestyramine and speak with their health care professionals if they have any queries.