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Uses

What is colestipol used for?

Colestipol is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol.

Colestipol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does colestipol work (mechanism of action)?

Colestipol works by binding bile acid and increasing its removal from your body. Bile acid is a liquid substance your liver produces that helps with food digestion. Because bile acid is made from cholesterol, your body will use cholesterol to replace the bile acid that was removed. As a result, your cholesterol levels will also decrease.

How is colestipol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Colestid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 g oral tablets
  • 5 g/scoopful of granules for oral suspension
  • 5 g/packet of granules for oral suspension

How should I store colestipol?

Colestipol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of colestipol?

The most common side effects of colestipol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation (see below)
  • Stomach pain and cramping
  • Gas and bloating
  • Upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting

There may be other side effects of colestipol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of colestipol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of colestipol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Colestipol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using colestipol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Vitamin Deficiency. Colestipol may decrease the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.  Take your vitamin 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking colestipol to decrease this risk. 

Abnormal Bleeding. People taking colestipol may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.

Severe Constipation. Some people taking colestipol have had severe constipation. Severe constipation can also worsen hemorrhoids. To decrease this risk, be sure you are getting enough fluids and fiber. Stop taking colestipol and get help right away if you have severe constipation.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use colestipol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take colestipol.

  • Colestid
  • Colestipol 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific colestipol products they stock.

What should I know about colestipol before using it?

Do not take colestipol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share colestipol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep colestipol out of the reach of children.

Swallow each tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets.

For people with swallowing problems, colestipol tablets may be larger than the pill you have taken before. Always take one tablet at a time and swallow it right away. Drinking plenty of liquids will make it easier to swallow the tablets. Talk with your healthcare provider about your options. 

You may notice some pressure and discomfort if the tablets get stuck after swallowing. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if this happens. Do not take colestipol tablets again without talking with your healthcare provider first.

Always mix colestipol granules with water or other fluids before consuming as directed. They should not be taken as dry granules. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using colestipol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if colestipol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Colestipol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using colestipol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Colestipol is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take colestipol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Colestipol is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. However, it may affect vitamin absorption in the infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take colestipol while you are breastfeeding. 

Interactions

Does colestipol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between colestipol and food or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect colestipol. Both colestipol and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. Alcohol consumption can also affect your cholesterol levels. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does colestipol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking colestipol.

  • Furosemide, a diuretic ( also called a water pill), which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Hydrochlorothiazide, a medicine for blood pressure
  • Propranolol (Inderal and others) which a medicine commonly used for blood pressure
  • A tetracycline, which is a medicine commonly used for infections
  • Penicillin G (Bicillin LA), which a medicine commonly used for infections
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid), a fibrate, which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • A corticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Mycophenolate (Cellcept and others), which is a medicine used to suppress your immune system 
  • Phosphate containing supplements
  • Vitamins A, D, E, and K

You should take other drugs at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol. This will decrease your risk of drug interactions.

Colestipol may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much colestipol?

If you or someone else has taken too much colestipol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of colestipol?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.