Monograph Details
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Cardiovascular System
> Hyperlipoproteinemias
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QUESTRAN LIGHT |
| Manufacturer |
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Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Pharmacological Class |
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Bile acid sequestrant. |
| Generic Name |
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Cholestyramine resin (as Cl) 4g; per 5g packet or scoop; contains phenylalanine. |
| Also |
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• QUESTRAN
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| Indications |
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Hypercholesterolemia alone or with hypertriglyceridemia resistant to dietary management. Reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. Pruritus due to partial biliary obstruction. |
| Children |
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See literature. |
| Adults |
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Initially 1 packet or scoop mixed with fluid or food 1–2 times daily. Maintenance: 2–4 packets or scoops divided into 2 doses; max 6 packets or scoops daily. Increase at 4 week intervals. |
| Contraindications |
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Complete biliary obstruction. |
| Precautions |
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Obtain baseline serum cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and monitor during therapy. May need Vit. A, D, K, and folic acid supplementation with long-term therapy. Exclude secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (e.g., hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, alcoholism). Favorable trend in cholesterol reduction usually occurs within 1 month; continue therapy to sustain reduction. Phenylketonuria (Questran Light). Constipation. Hemorrhoids. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers. |
| Interactions |
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Inhibits absorption of phenylbutazone, warfarin, chlorothiazide, propranolol, tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid drugs, digitalis, many others; give other drugs 1–2 hours before or 4–6 hours after. Additive effects with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, nicotinic acid. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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Constipation, fecal impaction, aggravation of hemorrhoids, GI disturbances, osteoporosis, Vit. A, D, K, or folic acid deficiencies, increased bleeding, hyperchloremic acidosis, rash, oral or anal irritation. |
| How Supplied |
Light 5g pkt—60
210g can—1 (w. scoop)
9g pkt—60
378g can—1 (w. scoop) |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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