Generic Name: colestipol (koe LES ti pol)
Brand Names: Colestid, Colestid Flavored
What is Colestid Flavored (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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Colestid Flavored (colestipol)?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to colestipol, or if you have a blockage in your intestines.
Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor if have trouble swallowing, constipation or hemorrhoids, a stomach or intestinal 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.
Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
Colestipol is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Do not take other medications at the same time you take colestipol. Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs, making them less effective. Take your other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol. Avoid constipation by drinking 8 to 12 full glasses (8 ounces each) every day while taking this medication. Ask your doctor before using a laxative or stool softener. Call your doctor at once if you have severe constipation or stomach pain.
To be sure colestipol is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with colestipol. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Colestid Flavored (colestipol)?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to colestipol, or if you have a blockage in your intestines.
Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
trouble swallowing;
constipation or hemorrhoids;
a stomach, intestinal, 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.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take colestipol.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins 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 this medication may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using colestipol if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take Colestid Flavored (colestipol)?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Colestipol is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day with meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Dissolve the colestipol granules in a small amount of water, broth soup, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or hot or cold cereal. Stir this mixture and drink or eat all of it right away. Swallow the mixture without chewing or holding it in your mouth. Colestipol can damage your teeth if left in contact with them for too long.
If you mix colestipol granules with a liquid, after drinking the mixture add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away. This will assure that you get the entire dose.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with colestipol. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take 2 weeks to several months of using this medicine before your cholesterol levels improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.
Colestipol is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store colestipol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain or constipation.
What should I avoid while taking Colestid Flavored (colestipol)?
Avoid taking other medications at the same time you take colestipol. Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs, making them less effective. Take your other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol. Avoid constipation by drinking 8 to 12 full glasses (8 ounces each) every day while taking this medication. Ask your doctor before using a laxative or stool softener.
Colestid Flavored (colestipol) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
trouble swallowing;
severe constipation or stomach pain;
black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
easy bruising or bleeding, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild or occasional constipation;
gas, indigestion, heartburn;
diarrhea; or
hemorrhoids or rectal irritation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Colestid Flavored (colestipol)?
Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb many other medications. Below is just a partial list of these medications. Tell your doctor if you are using:
steroid drugs such as hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone);
heart medication such as digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), propranolol (Inderal), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril), chlorothiazide (Diuril);
a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril), or chlorothiazide (Diuril);
an antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap); or
other cholesterol-lowering medications such as atorvastatin (Caduet, Lipitor), lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor, Advicor), ezetimibe (Zetia, Vytorin), fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide), gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), nicotinic acid (niacin), or ursodiol (Actigall, Urso, Urso Forte).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with colestipol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Colestid Flavored resources
- Colestid Flavored Side Effects (in more detail)
- Colestid Flavored Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Colestid Flavored Drug Interactions
- Colestid Flavored Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Colestid Flavored - Add your own review/rating
- Colestipol Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Colestid Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Colestid Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Colestid Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Colestid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Colestid Flavored with other medications
- Hyperlipoproteinemia
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about colestipol.
See also: Colestid Flavored side effects (in more detail)
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