Colestipol Hcl

Colestid is a cholesterol-lowering drug that comes in the form of oral granules for reconstitution. It is used to treat high cholesterol and works by lowering low-density lipoprotein, also known and LDL or "bad cholesterol", in the blood. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and circulation problems. Common side effects may include constipation or hemorrhoids.

• Colestid
• Colestid Flavored
• Colestipol Hydrochloride

• Cholestyramine
• Cholestyramine Light
• Colesevelam HCl
• Colestid
• Colestid Flavored
• Colestipol HCl
• Prevalite
• Questran
• Questran Light
• Welchol

• Liquid
• Tablet

• By mouth

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Powder for suspension: Do not use the powder or granules in its dry form.Mix the powder with one-half glass (3 ounces or more) of water, milk, or juice. Drink the mixed medicine right away. Rinse the glass with more liquid and drink that, too, so you get all of the medicine.The medicine can also be mixed into soup, fruit cocktail, or milk used on breakfast cereal.

Tablets: Swallow each tablet one at a time with plenty of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to colestipol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, phenylketonuria, thyroid problems, hemorrhoids, or problems with constipation.

This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Trouble swallowing

Some foods and medicines can affect how colestipol works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: Digoxin, gemfibrozil, hydrocortisone, mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil, penicillin G, propranolol, tetracyclineA diuretic (water pill, such as chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)Folic acid, vitamins, or supplements containing phosphorus

Take other medicines 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Blood in your stools
• Trouble swallowing
• Severe constipation and stomach bloating
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Mild constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, gas, stomach pain