Questran (cholestyramine) for ileostomy output?

[sharon]

Has anyone tried Questran (cholestyramine) for lessening ileostomy output? My GI said it may help. I don't have short bowel, however, I have to empty a lot and am looking for anything to help with this. I've tried Imodium but it gives me horrible gas.

Thanks,
Sharon

[To Dream a Dream]

I was taking Questran years ago (early seventies) for post resection Crohn's with short bowel symptoms beore I had the ileo performed in '77. I had not realized they are still prescribing it.

I currently use Imodium cautiously. The soft gels seem to be most effective & I have taken some that also reduce gas (a generic, if I remember right & not often available). Have also used GasX or its generic.

[sharon]

Hi To Dream,

Did the Questran help reduce output??

[To Dream a Dream]

Hello Sharon: I was taking Questran back in the 60's & early 70's (before I had had the ileo done in '77). At the time, I had had two major small bowel resections, a partial colectomy & very active Crohn's disease. I still had my lower tract, so my output was technically loose BM's & not that of an ostomy. So, I am not your best source of current info. on present day Questran which may have been changed over these many years. When I was on it, if I remember correctly, it was a powder I had to mix with water.

[Button]

Sharon:
Questran was originally prescribed to control diarrhea due to bile duct or gall bladder dysfunction where there is excess bile secretion. Questran binds to bile salts.

Questran is a safe medication. It would be worth a try.
Karen

[sharon]

Thank you Button and Dream. I'm going to give it a try. Hopefully, it'll be the 'magic' I need!