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Colestyramine

Colestyramine (Questran) is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol levels and relieve itching linked to bile acid buildup in the body. The only listed product is Questran 5g sachet.

Questran

Hypercholesterolaemia, Pruritus

5g

Colestyramine tablets for high cholesterol and itching. They bind bile acids in the gut, forcing the liver to use up cholesterol.

From$6.98/ sachetView

Key points

  • Colestyramine works by binding bile acids in the gut, so the liver uses more cholesterol to make new bile acids and blood levels drop.
  • The sachet is a powder that is mixed into a drink or soft food before swallowing, which some people find easier than taking a tablet.
  • It may cause constipation and bloating, along with stomach discomfort; the full safety information is in the patient leaflet.

What colestyramine is used for

Colestyramine is listed for two conditions: Hypercholesterolaemia and Pruritus. In hypercholesterolaemia, it reduces cholesterol by working in the gut. For pruritus, it addresses itching that can occur when bile acids build up in the skin.

Common questions about colestyramine

How does colestyramine work in the body?

Colestyramine binds bile acids in the gut, stopping them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The liver then takes more cholesterol from the blood to produce new bile acids, which lowers cholesterol levels.

What does the Questran sachet contain?

Each Questran sachet contains 5g of colestyramine powder for oral suspension. The powder is mixed into a drink or soft food before swallowing, following the instructions on the label.

Further reading