Questran Powder

Pronunciation: koe-LES-teer-a-meen
Generic Name: Cholestyramine
Brand Name: Examples include Prevalite and Questran

Questran Powder is used for:

Lowering blood cholesterol levels. It is used along with changes in diet. It is used to relieve itching caused by partial biliary obstruction. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Questran Powder is a bile acid sequestrant/anion-exchange resin. It works by increasing the removal of bile acids from the body. As the body loses bile acids, it replaces them by converting cholesterol from the blood to bile acids. This causes the blood level of cholesterol to decrease.

Do NOT use Questran Powder if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Questran Powder


• you have a complete obstruction of your biliary tract, severe constipation (eg, impacted feces), high blood chloride levels, or certain types of elevated blood lipid levels (type III, IV, or V hyperlipidemia)


• if you are taking mycophenolate

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Questran Powder:

Some medical conditions may interact with Questran Powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have heart disease; constipation; hemorrhoids; gallbladder problems; blood, bleeding, or clotting problems; high blood levels of triglycerides; poor absorption from the intestinal tract or other intestinal problems; kidney problems; or phenylketonuria (PKU)


• if you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Questran Powder. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), digoxin, digitoxin, estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), mycophenolate, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phosphate supplements, progestins (eg, medroxyprogesterone), tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Questran Powder


• Spironolactone because the risk of high blood chloride levels may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Questran Powder may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Questran Powder:

Use Questran Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Questran Powder is usually taken by mouth with meals.


• Questran Powder may decrease the absorption of other medicines. All other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Questran Powder. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about taking your other medicines along with Questran Powder.


• If you are also taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), take Questran Powder at least 6 hours after you take the anticoagulant unless directed otherwise by your doctor.


• Do not take Questran Powder in its dry form. Always mix with water or other fluids before taking.


• If you are taking Questran Powder with a beverage, add the prescribed amount of medicine to 2 to 6 ounces/60 to 180 mL of water or other noncarbonated liquid before taking. Stir until well mixed (it will not dissolve) before drinking. After drinking all the liquid, rinse the glass with more liquid and drink it to ensure that all medicine is received.


• Questran Powder may also be mixed with soups (chicken noodle, tomato) or fruits (eg, applesauce, crushed pineapple) containing plenty of fluid.


• Do not sip Questran Powder or hold it in your mouth for a long period of time because this may cause tooth changes such as discoloration, decay, or erosion of enamel. Maintain good oral hygiene while you are using Questran Powder.


• Drink several glasses (8 ounces/240 mL) of water or other liquid daily, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.


• If you miss a dose of Questran Powder, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Questran Powder.

Important safety information:

• Questran Powder may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Questran Powder with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• If you experience constipation while taking Questran Powder, talk to your doctor about increased fiber intake and use of a stool softener to help relieve this side effect.


• Phenylketonuria patients - Some of these products contain phenylalanine. If you must have a diet that is low in phenylalanine, ask your pharmacist if it is in your product.


• The color of the powder may vary from batch to batch. This is normal and does not change the effect.


• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Questran Powder. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).


• Lab tests, including lipid and cholesterol levels and prothrombin times, may be performed while you use Questran Powder. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Questran Powder with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially constipation.


• Caution is advised when using Questran Powder in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially high blood chloride levels.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Questran Powder while you are pregnant. It is not known if Questran Powder is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Questran Powder, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Questran Powder:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; irritation of the skin, tongue, or anal area; severe constipation; severe or persistent nausea; shortness of breath; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Questran side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include constipation; feeling of fullness.

Proper storage of Questran Powder:

Store Questran Powder at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Questran Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Questran Powder, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Questran Powder is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Questran Powder. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Questran resources

• Questran Side Effects (in more detail)
• Questran Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Questran Drug Interactions
• Questran Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Questran - Add your own review/rating

Compare Questran with other medications

• Crohn's Disease
• Hyperlipoproteinemia
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pruritus of Partial Biliary Obstruction

quazepam

Generic Name: quazepam (KWAY ze pam)

Brand Names: Doral

What is quazepam?

Quazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Quazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Quazepam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Quazepam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about quazepam?

Quazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking quazepam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take quazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking quazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to quazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion). This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use quazepam if you are pregnant.

Before taking quazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Quazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Quazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Quazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking quazepam.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quazepam?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking quazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to quazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take quazepam.

• 
  

  asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

  
  


• 
  

  kidney or liver disease;

  
  


• 
  

  a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or behavior; or

  
  


• 
  

  a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category X. Quazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes quazepam during pregnancy. Do not use quazepam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Quazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The sedative effects of quazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking quazepam.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.

How should I take quazepam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take quazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine. Do not take quazepam with food or just after a meal. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. Quazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking quazepam. Do not take this medication for longer than 12 weeks without your doctor's advice.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using quazepam, especially during the first day or two. You may also have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, sweating, shaky or unpleasant feeling, or seizure (convulsions). Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using quazepam.

Quazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Quazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Store quazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

See also: Quazepam dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since quazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take quazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of quazepam can be fatal, especially if you take it with alcohol.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and fainting or coma.

What should I avoid while taking quazepam?

Do not drink alcohol while taking quazepam. Even alcohol consumed during the day can increase the side effects of quazepam taken at bedtime. Avoid alcohol for several days after taking quazepam, as small amounts of the drug may remain in your body during that time. Quazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Quazepam side effects

Quazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking quazepam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using quazepam and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  worsening insomnia;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion, anxiety, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior;

  
  


• 
  

  hallucinations, agitation, aggression;

  
  


• 
  

  weak or shallow breathing;

  
  


• 
  

  fast or pounding heartbeats;

  
  


• 
  

  muscle stiffness in your tongue, jaw, or neck;

  
  


• 
  

  problems with urination; or

  
  


• 
  

  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping);

  
  


• 
  

  amnesia or forgetfulness;

  
  


• 
  

  muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

  
  


• 
  

  dizziness, vision problems;

  
  


• 
  

  nightmares;

  
  


• 
  

  headache, blurred vision, depressed mood;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling nervous, excited, or irritable;

  
  


• 
  

  impotence, loss of interest in sex;

  
  


• 
  

  mild itching or skin rash;

  
  


• 
  

  nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite; or

  
  


• 
  

  dry mouth, increased thirst.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Quazepam Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

15 mg orally before retiring.
The dose may then be reduced to 7.5 mg in some patients.

What other drugs will affect quazepam?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by quazepam. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other sleep medication.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• 
  

  bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban);

  
  


• 
  

  cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar);

  
  


• 
  

  efavirenz (Sustiva);

  
  


• 
  

  irinotecan (Camptosar);

  
  


• 
  

  promethazine (Phenergan); or

  
  


• 
  

  selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar).

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with quazepam. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More quazepam resources

• Quazepam Side Effects (in more detail)
• Quazepam Dosage
• Quazepam Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Quazepam Drug Interactions
• Quazepam Support Group
• 1 Review for Quazepam - Add your own review/rating

• quazepam Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Quazepam Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Quazepam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare quazepam with other medications

• Insomnia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about quazepam.

See also: quazepam side effects (in more detail)