Cholestyramine

Common brand names:

Questran

Cholestyramine is bile acid sequestrant—a class of drugs that binds bile acids, prevents their reabsorption from the digestive system, and reduces cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine is one of many drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Bile acids are produced in the liver from cholesterol and secreted into the small intestine to help with the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol. Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the small intestine and carry them out of the body. This causes the body to use more cholesterol to make more bile acids, which are secreted into the small intestine, bound to bile acid sequestrants, and carried out of the body. The end result is lower cholesterol levels. Bile acid sequestrants also prevent absorption of some dietary cholesterol.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

What Are Nutrient Interactions
Types of interactions:beneficial= Beneficialadverse= Adversecheck= Check
dnicon_BeneficialReplenish Depleted Nutrients
Folic Acid
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Beta-Carotene
Calcium
Zinc
dnicon_BeneficialReduce Side Effects

none

dnicon_BeneficialSupport Medicine

none

dnicon_AvoidReduces Effectiveness

none

dnicon_AvoidPotential Negative Interaction

none

dnicon_CheckExplanation Required 

none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the Uses and Precautions tabs or the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

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