Colestipol

Generic name: Colestipol
Drug class: Bile acid sequestrants

Usage of Colestipol

Colestipol is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Colestipol lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Lowering high cholesterol levels is an important part of preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Colestipol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Colestipol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Colestipol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

trouble swallowing;

severe constipation or stomach pain; or

black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Common side effects of colestipol may include:

constipation; or

hemorrhoids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Colestipol

You should not take colestipol if you are allergic to it.

To make sure colestipol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

trouble swallowing;

constipation or hemorrhoids;

blockage in your intestines;

a stomach or digestive disorder;

liver disease;

a thyroid disorder;

a bleeding disorder;

a history of major stomach or bowel surgery; or

if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.

Colestipol is not expected to harm an unborn baby when taken at recommended doses. However, taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that are needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking colestipol.

Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not take colestipol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some forms of colestipol may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using colestipol if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Colestipol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Colestipol

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia:

Tablets:-Initial dose: 2 g orally once or twice a day-Maintenance dose: 2 to 16 g once a day or in divided doses Comments:-Dose increases of 2 g once or twice a day should occur at 1 to 2 month intervals.-If desired therapeutic effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is not obtained at a dose of 2 to 16 g per day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.Granules:-Initial dose: 5 g (1 packet or 1 level scoop) orally once or twice a day-Maintenance dose: 5 to 30 g (1 to 6 packets or level scoops) orally once a day or in divided dosesComments:-Incremental dose increases should occur at a rate of 1 dose per day at 1 to 2 month intervals.-If desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at 1 to 6 doses per day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.Use: For use as adjunctive treatment to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL) who do not respond adequately to diet

Warnings

Do not take colestipol granules without mixing them with water or another liquid. Taking the granules dry could cause you to accidentally inhale or choke on the granules.

What other drugs will affect Colestipol

Other drugs may interact with colestipol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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