Colestid

Common Name: colestipol HCl resin

How does Colestid work?

Colestipol belongs to the class of medications known as bile acid sequestrants. This medication is used to control high cholesterol. It is usually taken in combination with diet, exercise, or other cholesterol-lowering drugs. It works by binding to cholesterol and removing it from the blood. A reduction in cholesterol may reduce the risk of a heart attack associated with atherosclerosis (build-up of fat lining the walls of the arteries leading to the heart). Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Colestid?

The adult dose of colestipol ranges from 2 g to 16 g daily for the tablets, or 5 g to 30 g daily for the granules and orange granules, depending on circumstances. The dose may be given in a single dose or in divided doses. The tablets should be swallowed whole, and not cut, chewed, or crushed. The prescribed amount of tablets can be taken with water or any other appropriate fluid based on preference. The tablets should be taken with meals. The granules should be added to at least 100 mL of water, milk, flavoured drink, juice, or carbonated beverage. A heavy or pulpy juice may also be used. The mixture should be stirred well until the medication is completely suspended in the liquid. The granules and orange granules will not dissolve. After drinking the mixture, rinse the glass with a small amount of beverage to make sure all the medication is taken. The granules can also be mixed with milk in breakfast cereals, or along with pulpy fruits such as crushed pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail. The granules and orange granules should never be taken dry. Other medications should be taken at least one hour before or four hours after colestipol. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Colestid come in?

Colestid® is available as granules, orange granules, and tablets. Granules: Each packet contains colestipol 5 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients include silicon dioxide. Orange granules: Each packet contains 7.5 g orange granules equivalent to 5 g colestipol. Nonmedicinal ingredients include aspartame (phenylalanine 18.2 mg per 7.5 g granules), artificial flavor, beta carotene, citric acid, glycerin, maltol, mannitol, methylcellulose, and natural flavor. Tablets: Each light yellow, film-coated tablet contains colestipol 1 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients include carnauba wax, cellulose acetate phthalate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, povidone, and triacetin. The tablets contain no calories.

What should I NOT take with Colestid?

This medication should not be used by: anyone whose bile ducts are blocked and bile is not secreted into the intestine anyone allergic to colestipol or any of the ingredients in the medication In addition, the orange granules should not be used by anyone with phenylketonuria, as they contain phenylalanine (each 7.5 g of orange granules contains 18.2 mg phenylalanine).

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Colestid?

Constipation: Colestipol may cause or worsen constipation. Increased fluid and fibre intake is encouraged to prevent constipation; your doctor may also recommend a stool softener. Bleeding tendency: In rare cases, long-term use of colestipol may cause a vitamin K deficiency and therefore increase a tendency to bleed if injured. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The use of colestipol by pregnant women or nursing mothers requires that the benefits of the medication be weighed against the possible risks. The safety of this medication for use during pregnancy has not been established. Children: There is limited experience with the use of colestipol by children. Experts recommend, however, that drug treatment be considered for children 10 years or older who have tried diet therapy but still have unacceptably high serum cholesterol levels. In certain situations where a young child has extremely high serum cholesterol levels, drug treatment may even be started before 10 years of age. If the child is started on drug therapy, a carefully planned diet therapy should also be followed in order to obtain best results. However, the safety of the tablets for use by patients under the age of 18 years has not been established. Because colestipol may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), the growth and development of children taking the drug should be monitored closely. Seniors: People over 60 years of age may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) and nutritional (deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K) side effects.