Questran(Cholestyramine) is an anion-exchange resin used to lower blood cholesterol levels. Questran(Cholestyramine) resin adsorbs and combines with the bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in the feces. This results in a partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation by preventing their absorption. The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to questran (Cholestyramine) leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids, a decrease in beta lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein plasma levels and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine resin produces an increase in hepatic synthesis of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol levels fall.
Questran side effects, that may go away during treatment, include constipation, gas, nausea, or heartburn. If questran side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other questran side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.