I went to my GP dr today and asked for the drug Colestid to help with my post gall bladder removal diarrhea. Unfortunately the only drug available in this country is Questran.

Can anyone help me with whether this is as good as Colestid? I note that most conversations have been about Colestid.

I also read that Questran can have side effects of gas, vomiting, nausea...ugh.

I'd love any ideas on how much you take etc.

thanks

Both are the same Questran is a powder that you mix with water and Colestid is a pill form.

I don't know how much you have to take.

I've been taking Questran for about 8 years due to a chronic diarrhea problem. I've not expeirenced any side effects, it's not a great taste but you can mix it with many of your favorite drinks to better tolerate the taste. I take less than 9 mg a day to control my problem.

Thanks Skipper,
Can I ask - does it give you regular BM's - like every day? I'm just not sure what to expect.

Do you take it before food or after?

Hi auxano,

As you may know Questran is a medication that is normally used to reduce cholesterol. The side-effect is constipation for normal people and that effect is used as an advantage to help people with diarrhea.

Since it is a powder that is mixed, the amount can be adjusted to control your BMs daily!
My sister took Questran for cholesterol reduction and she had constipation problems using it.

Harry

Hi Auxano, I do have regular BMs. Only on occasion do I get diarrhea. My gastro doc said something about my bile is not being re-absorbed into my intestines and as a result the bile goes into the small intestine causing a laxative effect. Questran he says binds with the bile somehow stopping the diarrhea. Questran has been the drug that works best for me. I take it with food. Good luck.

Colestid tablets are HUGE, if you can tolerate the powder then would recommend that. I have heard the powder is pretty bad tasting.

I have 2 friends that are taking Questran for diarrhea. One started with
diarrhea after having her gallbladder out and one has IBS. Both were helped
with the Questran, none seemed to have side effects. I know that the one
gal takes 1 tsp of the Questran powder and does fine with that.

Give it a try. Both friends said it sure beats having to limit going places etc
due to the diarrhea, they don't mind the taste, it's worth it!!
Jodianne