• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is 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.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of colestipol?

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.

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How should I take 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.

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What is the most important information I should know about 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.

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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.

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What other drugs will affect 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);

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Colestipol has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Because colestipol is not absorbed after oral administration, direct fetal harm is not expected. Impairment of absorption of fat soluble vitamins and other nutrients as well as effects of reduced lipid concentrations may be of concern. Colestipol should only be given during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Colestipol is not absorbed after oral administration and therefore is not expected to be present in human milk. While adverse effects in the breast-feeding infant are unlikely, altered absorption of fat soluble vitamins and other nutrients by the mother may effect the integrity of the milk.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to colestipol or any ingredient in the formulation.

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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.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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