Questran (cholestyramine) and Colestid (colestipol) are cholesterol-lowering drugs that belong to the
bile acid sequestrants (BAR) class of drugs. These are also the only medications in this class available in a gritty, powdered form. Although Questran (
cholestyramine) and Colestid (
colestipol) are mainly effective in lowering
LDL cholesterol levels, many people find it difficult to take because of its gritty taste. To make the taste more tolerable, try one of the following tips:
- Add your dose to a half cup of applesauce or crushed pineapples and mix thoroughly.
- Add your dose to a half cup of fruit drink, juice, or other non-caffeinated drink and mix thoroughly.
- You can also add your dose to a half cup of milk or broth.
If these tips do not help and you find that you are still unable to tolerate the taste of the bile acid resin, talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. He may switch you to another
cholesterol-lowering drug.
Source:
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
