Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
granules, bottle
- 5g
granules, packets
- 5g
tablet
- 1g
Hyperlipidemia
Tablets: 2 g PO qDay or q12hr; increases of 2 g should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals; titrate not to exceed 16 g/day
Granules: 5 g PO qDay; increases of 5 g should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals; titrate not to exceed 30 g/day
Overdose Management
Generally considered safe in acute overdose although not formally studied
Adverse drug reactions in overdose may include peripheral neuropathy, diarrhea, increase K+, myopathy , rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, elevated liver function tests, eye lens opacities)
Check renal function tests, urine myoglobin, CPK, LFT's
Administration
Mix dry form in water/fluids to avoid inhalation or esophageal distress
Mix granules in fluids or food; take before meals
Do not crush, chew, or cut tablets
Take 1 tablet at a time; swallow with water or other fluids
Other Information
Monitor: Serum cholesterol, triglycerides
Other Indications & Uses
Used in relief of pruritus associated with elevated levels of bile
Used to decrease plasma half-life of digoxin in toxicity
Hypercholesterolemia (adjunct to diet for Type IIa & IIb hyperlipidemia)
Safety & efficacy not established
Tablets: 2 g PO qDay or q12hr; increases of 2 g should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals; titrate not to exceed 16 g/day
Granules: 5 g PO qDay; increases of 5 g should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals; titrate not to exceed 30 g/day
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (1)
- mycophenolate
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of mycophenolate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Contraindicated. Colestipol binds bile acids and reduces mycophenolic acid exposure
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (10)
- cholic acid
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of cholic acid by drug binding in GI tract. Use Caution/Monitor. Take cholic acid at least 1 hr before or 4-6 hr (or as great an interval as possible) after a bile acid binding resin.
- digoxin
colestipol decreases levels of digoxin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxercalciferol
colestipol decreases levels of doxercalciferol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. (Vitamin D analog).
- lomitapide
colestipol decreases levels of lomitapide by drug binding in GI tract. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate lomitapide and administration of bile acid sequestrants by at least 4 hours; bile acid sequestrants can interfere with the absorption of oral medications.
- obeticholic acid
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of obeticholic acid by drug binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer obeticholic acid at least 4 hr before or 4 hr after taking a bile acid binding resins.
- odevixibat
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of odevixibat by drug binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer bile acid sequestrants 4 hr before or after odevixibat.
- omadacycline
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of omadacycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor for decreased effects of tetracyclines if coadministered with a bile acid sequestrant. Separate doses 2 or more hours if these agents are used concomitantly.
- paricalcitol
colestipol decreases levels of paricalcitol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. (Vitamin D analog).
- sarecycline
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of sarecycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor for decreased effects of tetracyclines if coadministered with a bile acid sequestrant. Separate doses by 2 or more hours if coadministered.
- vitamin D
colestipol will decrease the level or effect of vitamin D by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Bile acid sequestrants may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Administer vitamin supplementation at least 4 hours prior to colestipol.
Minor (61)
- acetaminophen
colestipol decreases levels of acetaminophen by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- acetaminophen IV
colestipol decreases levels of acetaminophen IV by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- acetaminophen rectal
colestipol decreases levels of acetaminophen rectal by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ampicillin
colestipol decreases levels of ampicillin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- atorvastatin
colestipol decreases levels of atorvastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bendroflumethiazide
colestipol decreases levels of bendroflumethiazide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- chenodiol
colestipol decreases levels of chenodiol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- chlorothiazide
colestipol decreases levels of chlorothiazide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- chlorthalidone
colestipol decreases levels of chlorthalidone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- clobetasone
colestipol decreases levels of clobetasone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- cortisone
colestipol decreases levels of cortisone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- cyanocobalamin
colestipol decreases levels of cyanocobalamin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- deflazacort
colestipol decreases levels of deflazacort by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- demeclocycline
colestipol decreases levels of demeclocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- dexamethasone
colestipol decreases levels of dexamethasone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- diclofenac
colestipol decreases levels of diclofenac by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- dicloxacillin
colestipol decreases levels of dicloxacillin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- doxycycline
colestipol decreases levels of doxycycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fenofibrate
colestipol decreases levels of fenofibrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fenofibrate micronized
colestipol decreases levels of fenofibrate micronized by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fenofibric acid
colestipol decreases levels of fenofibric acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fludrocortisone
colestipol decreases levels of fludrocortisone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fluvastatin
colestipol decreases levels of fluvastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- folic acid
colestipol decreases levels of folic acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- furosemide
colestipol decreases levels of furosemide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- gemfibrozil
colestipol decreases levels of gemfibrozil by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- hydrochlorothiazide
colestipol decreases levels of hydrochlorothiazide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- hydrocortisone
colestipol decreases levels of hydrocortisone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- imipramine
colestipol decreases levels of imipramine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- indapamide
colestipol decreases levels of indapamide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- L-methylfolate
colestipol decreases levels of L-methylfolate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- levothyroxine
colestipol decreases levels of levothyroxine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- liothyronine
colestipol decreases levels of liothyronine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- lovastatin
colestipol decreases levels of lovastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- meloxicam
colestipol decreases levels of meloxicam by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- methotrexate
colestipol decreases levels of methotrexate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Patients should take other drugs at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol to avoid impeding their absorption.
- methyclothiazide
colestipol decreases levels of methyclothiazide by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- methylprednisolone
colestipol decreases levels of methylprednisolone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- metolazone
colestipol decreases levels of metolazone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- minocycline
colestipol decreases levels of minocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- niacin
colestipol decreases levels of niacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- oxacillin
colestipol decreases levels of oxacillin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- oxytetracycline
colestipol decreases levels of oxytetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- piroxicam
colestipol decreases levels of piroxicam by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pitavastatin
colestipol decreases levels of pitavastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pivmecillinam
colestipol decreases levels of pivmecillinam by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pravastatin
colestipol decreases levels of pravastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- prednisolone
colestipol decreases levels of prednisolone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- prednisone
colestipol decreases levels of prednisone by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rosuvastatin
colestipol decreases levels of rosuvastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- simvastatin
colestipol decreases levels of simvastatin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- temocillin
colestipol decreases levels of temocillin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- tetracycline
colestipol decreases levels of tetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- thyroid desiccated
colestipol decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ticarcillin
colestipol decreases levels of ticarcillin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension
colestipol decreases levels of triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ursodiol
colestipol decreases effects of ursodiol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- valproic acid
colestipol decreases levels of valproic acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- vitamin A
colestipol decreases levels of vitamin A by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. (Vitamin A).
- vitamin K1 (phytonadione)
colestipol decreases levels of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. (Vitamin K).
- warfarin
colestipol decreases levels of warfarin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Gastrointestinal (mostly)
Constipation
1-10%
Stomach pain
Belching
Nausea/vomiting
Flatulance
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Anxiety
Vertigo
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Frequency Not Defined
Heartburn
Steatorrhea
Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Gallstones
Dysphagia
GI bleeding
Cholecystitis
Peptic ulceration
Transient esophageal obstruction
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to colestipol
Bowel obstruction
Cautions
Increased risk of bleeding due to hypoprothrombinemia from vitamin K deficiency
May interfere with fat absorption, and decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
May worsen pre-existing constipation
Take other medications 1 hr before or 4 hr after colestipol
If significant increase in triglycerides, consider dose reduction, discontinuation or alternatives
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: use caution; may interfere with vitamin absorption in infants
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Forms a soluble complex after binding to bile acid, increasing fecal loss of bile acid-bound low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: initial effect: 24-48 hr; max effect: 1 wk
Bioavailability: Not absorbed
Metabolism: Not metabolized
Excretion: feces 100%
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| colestipol oral - | 1 gram tablet |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram granules |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 1 gram tablet |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram granules |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| colestipol oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| Colestid oral - | 1 gram tablet |  | |
| Colestid oral - | 5 gram granules |  | |
| Colestid oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| Colestid oral - | 5 gram granules |  | |
| Colestid oral - | 5 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| Colestid Flavored oral - | 5 gram granules |  | |
| Colestid Flavored oral - | 7.5 gram miscellaneous |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
colestipol oral
COLESTIPOL TABLET - ORAL
(koe-LES-ti-pol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colestid
USES: Colestipol is used along with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol helps decrease the risk for strokes and heart attacks.In addition to a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times a day. If your dose is more than 1 tablet, take the tablets one at a time. Do not try to swallow more than one tablet at once. Take each tablet with plenty of liquid (such as water, juice). Swallow each tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, consult your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.Colestipol may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colestipol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effect occurs: difficulty swallowing, chest pain/pressure, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual bleeding/bruising, rapid breathing, confusion.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swallowing problems, constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney disease.Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients (such as folic acid, fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Consult your doctor for more information.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. However, it may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section.The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), mycophenolate, raloxifene.This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach/abdominal pain.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, vitamin levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised August 2021. Copyright(c) 2021 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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