Product Name: Questran
Chemical Name: Cholestyramine resin
Synonyms: Anion exchange resin, Cholestyramine for oral suspension
Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical, bile acid sequestrant for cholesterol management
Contact Information: Emergency Number on product packaging or manufacturer’s official site
Product Code: Present on container label
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by OSHA criteria
Signal Word: No signal word required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild respiratory irritation; dust may irritate eyes or skin
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash skin after handling
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation can create temporary discomfort, skin contact might cause dryness, eyes may get itchy and red
Target Organs: May have minor impact on eyes, skin, lungs from repeated exposure
Other Hazards: Spilled powder can make floors slippery
Chemical Ingredients: Cholestyramine resin, with polystyrene trimethylbenzylammonium chloride functional groups
Concentration: Active resin typically around 99%, trace components (citrus/sugar for flavoring in some blends)
CAS Number: 11041-12-6
Other Ingredients: Sugar or sugar substitutes, flavoring agents vary depending on formulation
Impurities: May contain trace process residues, kept under regulatory limits for pharmaceuticals
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, keep eyes open, remove contacts
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and water; persistent irritation unlikely
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek attention if wheezing or persistent cough develops
Ingestion: Not hazardous in therapeutic doses; consult physician if large quantities swallowed accidentally
Most Important Symptoms: Mild irritation, discomfort with excessive dust exposure
Notes to Physician: No antidote, supportive care only; no known chronic toxicity at medical concentrations
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards in Fire: Can emit fumes of carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxides under extreme heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and protective clothing
Special Precautions: Remove containers from fire area if safe to do so; watch for slippery residue after extinguishing
Personal Precautions: Avoid raising dust; wear gloves, goggles, dust mask if large amount present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains; sweep up spills to avoid slips
Cleanup Method: Sweep or vacuum without creating dust clouds; use damp mop for residual powder
Disposal: Collect in closed container for regulatory disposal methods; rinse area with water
Reporting: No special reporting required unless local/industrial volume requirements apply
Handling: Avoid creating dust; use in well-ventilated spaces; no eating or drinking in processing areas
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after use; keep work surfaces clean
Storage: Store tightly closed in dry, cool, well-ventilated area; avoid moisture exposure
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, damp environments can degrade product
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, labeled, away from food and incompatible materials
Control Parameters: No established OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH limits for cholestyramine; treat as nuisance dust (10 mg/m³ recommended threshold)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation if powder handling
Personal Protection: Respiratory mask for dust, safety glasses, gloves for bulk handling
Environmental Controls: Prevent material escape to drains or sewers; use damp cleaning for residues
Special Considerations: No special protection needed under normal pharmaceutical use
Form: Fine powder or granules
Color: Pale yellow to light tan
Odor: Mild, may be sweet or citrus if flavored
pH (In Suspension): Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6–7)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; swells in aqueous medium
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Stability and Reactivity: Chemically stable, non-volatile, physically stable to usual storage
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature in original packaging
Conditions to Avoid: High moisture, direct heat, strong acids and oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides possible in fire
Polymerization: Not known to self-polymerize or cause hazardous reactions
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; large doses may cause constipation or gastrointestinal discomfort
Skin Contact: Usually non-irritating; sensitive individuals may notice dryness or redness
Eye Contact: Irritation, watering, redness if powder contacts eyes
Inhalation: Dust may temporarily irritate respiratory tract; symptoms resolve after exposure stops
Chronic Effects: Long-term use in therapeutic doses considered safe; rare reports of vitamin deficiencies from prolonged use
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic risk from human data
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No known effects in medical studies
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to harm aquatic or terrestrial life at therapeutic concentrations
Persistence: Not biodegradable; remains as inert resin
Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative
Mobility: Remains in particulate form, may settle in sediment
Aquatic Release: Prevent entry to waterways to avoid potential buildup in sediment
Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste; follow local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of in accordance with environmental regulations
Precautions: Avoid releasing large quantities into surface water or soil
Persistence: Does not degrade naturally; landfill or incinerate according to law
Special Instructions: Rinse empty packaging before recycling or discarding
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
DOT/IATA/IMDG Classification: No special requirement, not dangerous goods
Packaging: Keep sealed, prevent tear or leakage
Labels: No hazard label necessary
Additional Notices: Routine precautions for pharmaceutical powders apply
Inventory Status: Listed as an approved pharmaceutical ingredient (FDA, ECHA)
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous
TSCA Status: Not subject to TSCA reporting
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Complies with pharmaceutical GMP standards and labeling regulations
Workplace Notices: Employers provide safe handling information to prevent dust exposure
