Questran

Bile is an important alkaline fluid in the metabolism and the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile contains water, bile salts, lecithin and cholesterol. It also has components such as the bicarbonate ions and the pigments that give it its green color. Bile is important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D and E. They are integrated to the bloodstream by ways of absorption of bile in the small intestines.

Bile has also contributed to the build-up of cholesterol in the bloodstream. The integration of cholesterol in the bile during its absorption can bring a clog-up to the arteries particularly when too much of low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol is present.

A drug which is devised to counteract the absorption of bile is the cholestyramine. Under its generic name, brands of Questran and Questran Light have been marketed by a large pharmaceutical firm, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Questran, as well as Questran Light, comes in a powder from. However, the two have differing ingredients besides the four grams of cholestyramine contained in each. Questran is dissolved in liquid and can be served from 2 to 6 ounces of water. You can include Questran in a soup or other thick juice syrups. Same is applied with Questran Light.

Administration of Questran may differ from the classification of ages. The ounces of Questran suspension can be differently administered to children or older people. An inquiry to the doctor or medical literature can be relied on its dosage.

Questran have side effects that need to be determined by the doctor. The most common is constipation. If you have this undesirable effect, consult the physician to medicate or to clear up the administration of the drug.

Other adverse effects from Questran therapy are unusual bleeding, black and bloody stool, severe stomach pain and weight loss. If these effects have become too severe and bothersome, immediate medical remedy should be taken.

Questran is not desirable to be taken same time with other drugs or vitamin supplements. It would be important to ask the doctor on the interference of other drugs to Questran. If unable to do so, take other drugs before an hour of Questran’s administration. Anticipate for four hours before taking drugs or supplements after Questran’s dosage. Interference on the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins which are essential to the body can happen during the Questran therapy. Inform the doctor on any undesirable effects that Questran has inflicted on the body or during the taking with other medicines. Also include in your inquiry the possible risk when it is used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. How Questran can affect the milk of the lactating mothers and an infant child should be addressed to the specialist. If unsure of any undesirable effects, refrain from taking Questran or any other cholestyramine products until adequate knowledge is acquired.

Questran could be effective in lowering the cholesterol. However, Questran can not make the lowering cholesterol more effectively without the participation of the user. Healthy lifestyle is significant for preventing the onset of hypertension and cardiac arrest. The user is normally advised that Questran should not be considered as replacement nor should be relied on completely for lowering blood cholesterol.

Questran, administered like a juice drink, is being criticized due to its effects on absorption of important nutrients. Vitamin A absorption is important for the metabolism and normal function and growth of bones and muscles. Vitamin K is important for blood-clotting. Vitamin E is potent for fighting free radicals and Vitamin D has a role in the absorption of calcium for bone-strengthening. These nutrients and their importance can be hindered if Questran is administered improperly.

Medical consultation is always a must before taking drugs such as Questran.