Lipid Disorders and Colestipol

Colestipol (Colestid) is used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body.

Colestipol decreases the production of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Read more details about Colestipol.

This medicine can be used alone or in combination with another cholesterol-lowering agent. It is available in powder and tablet form. Follow a diet plan and exercise program as recommended by your healthcare provider. Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

Powder:

• Mix with 1/2 cup of milk, fruit juice, or broth.

• May also mix with applesauce or crushed pineapple.

Tablet:

• Take this medicine one tablet at a time.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take any other medicines within 4 hours of this medicine.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Headache.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Bloating.

• Diarrhea.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe constipation.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.