Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Colestid, Colestid Flavored

Generic Name: colestipol (Pronunciation: koe LES ti pol)

• What is colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What are the possible side effects of colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What is the most important information I should know about colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• How should I take colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What happens if I overdose (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What should I avoid while taking colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• What other drugs will affect colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?

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.

Colestid 1 gram

oblong, beige, imprinted with U

Colestipol 1 g-GLO

oval, imprinted with G

Colestipol 1 g-GRE

oval, imprinted with G, 450

What are the possible side effects of colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?

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 is the most important information I should know about colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?

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.