Colestid (Colestipol)

What is Colestid?

Colestid is a cholesterol-lowering agent. It belongs to a particular class of drugs known as bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance which is produced by the liver by using cholesterol.

What is Colestid used for?

Colestid is used to reduce the amount of blood cholesterol in patients with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Controlled cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart diseases (strokes and heart attacks).

How does Colestid work?

Colestid works by removing bile acid from the body. This makes the liver produce more bile acid by using cholesterol, thereby lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

How to use Colestid

The medicine should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not take it for longer duration or in larger amount than recommended.

Colestid is usually taken once or twice daily, with a full glass of water or any other liquid. The dosage varies from person to person, so consult your doctor before taking the medicine. Do not crush, break or chew the tablets. Swallow it whole.

You may also take the colestid granules by mixing them in a small amount of applesauce, water, broth soup, cold or hot cereal. Stir well and drink it right away. The medicine, if left in the mouth for too long, can damage the teeth. So, avoid prolonged contact with the teeth.

It is advisable that you take the medicine at the same time each day. Following a good diet and exercise schedule is essential.

Colestid warnings and precautions

Before taking Colestid, be sure that you are not allergic to colestipol. Do not take the medicine if you have a blockage in your intestines.

Prior to taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are suffering from swallowing troubles; intestinal, stomach or digestive disorder; constipation, haemorrhoids, liver disease, bleeding or thyroid disorder, history of stomach problems or bowel surgery; deficiency of Vitamin A, D, E, or K.

If you are taking multi vitamins, it is advised that you take it at least an hour before or 4 hours following your Colestid dose.

Pregnant and lactating women should seek advice from their doctors, before taking this medicine. Colestid may cause harm to a fetus. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance.

What do I do if I have missed a Colestid dose?

If you have missed your Colestid dose you can take the missed dose anytime but not immediately before the next scheduled dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Colestid overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Colestid, you should seek medical help immediately.

Colestid interactions

Before taking Colestid, inform your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you are on, especially if you have been consuming steroids, heart medications, water pill or diuretic, antibiotics, or other medications that lower blood cholesterol levels.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine on your own.

Colestid side effects

There are some minor side effects of Colestid. These include mild constipation which is occasional in nature, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, hemorrhoids, and rectal irritation.

Colestid side effects also include hives, breathing trouble, stomach ache, constipation, swallowing trouble, bloody or tarry stools, bruising, bleeding, pain in the joints or muscle, loss of appetite, and swelling on lips, tongue, face or throat. Stop using this medication and contact your doctor if such symptoms persist.