Questran
Questran: instructions for use and reviews
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Use in childhood
- 11. Use in the elderly
- 12. Drug interactions
- 13. Analogs
- 14. Terms and conditions of storage
- 15. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 16. Reviews
- 17. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Questran
ATX code: C10AC01
Active ingredient: colestyramine (Colestyramine)
Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb, S. R. L. (Bristol-Myers Squibb, SrL) (Italy); Bristol-Myers Squibb (USA)
Description and photo updated: 2019-11-03
Questran is a hypocholesterolemic agent.
Release form and composition
Dosage form - powder for preparation of suspension for oral administration (in sachet-sachets of 4 g, in a cardboard box 12, 50 or 100 sachet-sachets and instructions for use of Questran).
The active substance of the drug is cholestyramine, in 1 sachet-bag - 4 g.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant. Has a hypocholesterolemic effect.
The drug adsorbs bile acids in the intestine and forms an insoluble complex with them, which is excreted naturally along with feces.
Bile acids involved in the process of digestion are secreted into the intestinal lumen, then most of it is absorbed through the small intestine and again enters the bloodstream. Questran disrupts this process by binding to bile acids, i.e., does not allow them to come back. As a result, cholesterol is oxidized in the liver to be converted into missing bile acids, which leads to a decrease in the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood.
The drug also reduces the excess of bile acids, which are deposited in the skin and cause itching.
Pharmacokinetics
No information available.
Indications for use
- primary hypercholesterolemia (increased LDL values);
- partial obstruction of bile acids, accompanied by itching;
- prevention of atherosclerosis and its complications (including coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction);
- elevated serum cholesterol concentrations in patients on a special diet (as an additional measure).
Contraindications
- complete obstruction of the biliary tract;
- phenylketonuria;
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.
Questran, instructions for use: method and dosage
Questran should be taken orally, preferably at the same time of day. A solution is prepared from the powder: pour the contents of the sachet into a container, add 60-180 ml of drinking water, compote, juice or milk, mix and leave for 5-10 minutes so that the powder absorbs a sufficient amount of liquid, and the suspension becomes homogeneous.
The doctor selects the optimal dose individually. To prevent the development of side effects, treatment begins with a minimum dose (1-2 packets per day), gradually increasing the dose to the required therapeutic dose. The maximum daily dose for adults is 6 sachets.
During the day, an abundant drink is shown - at least 1.5 liters of clean water, excluding other liquids.
The development of a significant clinical effect is noted after about 1 month. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor individually for each patient, therapy is long. It is important to continue taking the drug as prescribed, even in the absence of severe symptoms of the disease.
When prescribing Questran to lower LDL levels, drug therapy should be supplemented with a low cholesterol diet. In order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to quit smoking, reduce excess body weight, and eat right.
When prescribing complex therapy, other drugs should be taken no later than 1 hour before taking Questran and not earlier than 4 hours after taking it.
Side effects
- from the gastrointestinal tract: constipation (especially in elderly patients), pain and bloating, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, anorexia, steatorrhea, impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and folic acid, bleeding from stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, hemorrhoidal bleeding;
- dermatological reactions: skin irritation, rash;
- others: ecchymosis, hypoprothrombinemia, hyperchloremic acidosis, increased libido.
Overdose
The main danger of an overdose is the development of intestinal obstruction, a condition requiring urgent medical attention.
special instructions
The solution should not be kept in the mouth for a long time, as this can damage the tooth enamel. During treatment, you should carefully look after the oral cavity.
Periodically during treatment, a follow-up examination of the patient and laboratory tests are indicated, including for the content of cholesterol, prothrombin and thyroglobulin. Based on the results, the doctor can adjust the therapy regimen.
Questran interferes with the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the digestive tract. With long-term use, cholestyramine causes a deficiency of vitamin K, which requires its additional intake as part of vitamin preparations.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
Questran does not negatively affect a person's ability to drive vehicles and work with complex mechanisms.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Clinical studies on the safety of using cholestyramine in pregnant women have not been conducted, therefore, the appointment of Questran is contraindicated.
If treatment is required during lactation, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding.
Pediatric use
Questran can be prescribed to children according to indications. The attending physician determines the optimal dosage for pediatric patients.
Use in the elderly
Elderly patients should be treated with caution. It should be borne in mind that they often have such a side effect as constipation.
Drug interactions
Questran is able to increase the concentration of amiodarone in the blood, enhance the effect of acarbose, and also increase the absorption of digitalis when the intake is canceled.
The drug reduces the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K.
With the simultaneous use of Questran can interfere with the absorption of the following drugs (which leads to a decrease in their content in the blood plasma): vancomycin, ferrous sulfate, phenylbutazone, raloxifene, sulindac, tricyclic antidepressants, anticoagulants, metronidazole and its analogues, paracetamol, ibuprofen and other diclofenac non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, levothyroxine, thyroid hormone preparations. The list of these drugs is more extensive, therefore, patients are advised to inform their doctor about all drugs used simultaneously with Questran.
Analogs
Questran's analogues are Ipokol, Kolestyramine, Kolestir, Cholestan, Cholestyramine, etc.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a dry place out of reach of children at room temperature.
Shelf life is 2 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Reviews about Questran
Positive feedback about Questran is left by both doctors and patients. This remedy is often recommended by medical professionals because it is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels and also in relieving itching caused by bile acid deposits in the skin. Patients confirm the high efficiency of Questran, but they complain that it is not available in domestic pharmacies, and the order has to be made through intermediaries.
Price for Questran in pharmacies
The actual price of Questran in Russian pharmacies is unknown, since the drug is not sold in Russia. Today, it can only be purchased through online pharmacies that sell medicines from Europe. The approximate cost of a Questran package containing 12 sachets of 4 g each is from 1,450 to 1,500 rubles.
Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
