Tag: Questran

In the United States, nearly 25 million adults have total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL [1.10.2]. For many, medications like cholestyramine are prescribed, but it's crucial to understand the answer to: **what is the main side effect of cholestyramine?** The most frequently reported side effect is constipation [1.3.2].

Side effects of cholestyramine are primarily gastrointestinal, with up to 29% of women experiencing them. Yes, it is a known fact that cholestyramine can cause nausea, along with other digestive issues like constipation and bloating.

As members of the same drug class, bile acid sequestrants, colestipol ($Colestid$) and cholestyramine ($Questran$) share a common mechanism for lowering cholesterol but are not identical. The choice between the two often depends on specific patient needs, potential side effects, and preferred formulation.

First approved by the FDA in 1973, **cholestyramine** is the generic name for a medication that helps lower cholesterol and relieve itching caused by liver conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and major health information providers, cholestyramine is a prescription-only medication. This means you cannot buy cholestyramine over-the-counter and must obtain a doctor's prescription to acquire it.