What is Colestid/Colestipol used for?

This medicine, in conjunction with diet, is used to help lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Colestid/Colestipol be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Colestid/Colestipol not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Colestid/Colestipol?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are taking blood thinners if you have stomach problems if you have peptic ulcers if you have any other medical condition like liver or kidney function impairment or heart problem

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Colestid/Colestipol?

Before starting treatment with this medicine, please make sure that you get tested for diseases that may contribute to increased blood cholesterol, such as an underactive thyroid gland, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease), dysproteinemia (a blood disease), obstructive liver disease, and alcoholism. This medicine may cause or worsen constipation.

What are the side effects of Colestid/Colestipol?

Most severe: Abdominal bloating or distention/cramping/pain, aches and pains in arms and legs, angina (crushing chest pain), anxiety, arthritis, backache, belching, bleeding hemorrhoids, blood in stool, bone pain, chest pain.

Most common: Constipation, worsening of hemorrhoids

Other: Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, gas, headache, heartburn, hives, indigestion, insomnia, joint pain, light-headedness, loose stools, loss of appetite, migraine, muscle pain, nausea, rapid heartbeat, rash, shortness of breath, sinus headache, skin inflammation, swelling of hands or feet, vertigo, vomiting, weakness

How should I take Colestid/Colestipol?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. This medicine may prevent the absorption of vitamins such as A, D, and K. Long-term use of this medicine may be connected to increased bleeding from a lack of vitamin K. Taking vitamin K1 will help relieve this condition and prevent it in the future. Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be checked regularly while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause or worsen constipation. Dosages should be adjusted by your doctor. You may need to increase your intake of fiber and fluid. A stool softener also may be needed occasionally. People with coronary artery disease should be especially careful to avoid constipation. Hemorrhoids may be worsened by constipation related to Colestid. If you have phenylketonuria (a hereditary disease caused by your body's inability to handle the amino acid phenylalanine), be aware that Flavored Colestid granules contain phenylalanine.