[1] Bile acid sequestrants such as colestyramine were first used to treat hypercholesterolemia, but since the introduction of statins, now have only a minor role for this indication.

They can also be used to treat the pruritus, or itching, that often occurs during liver failure and other types of cholestasis where the ability to eliminate bile acids is reduced.

[citation needed] Colestyramine is commonly used to treat diarrhea resulting from bile acid malabsorption.

Colestyramine prevents this increase in water by making the bile acids insoluble and osmotically inactive.

[11] Ointments containing colestyramine compounded with Aquaphor have been used in topical treatment of diaper rash in infants and toddlers.

These side effects have been noted:[14] Intestinal obstruction has been reported in patients with previous bowel surgery who should use colestyramine cautiously.

Patients with phenylketonuria should consult with a physician before taking Questran Light because that product contains phenylalanine.