Health Library

Colestipol (By mouth)

Colestipol Hydrochloride (koe-LES-ti-pol hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Lowers cholesterol levels.

Brand Name(s):

Colestid, Colestid Flavored

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• 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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• 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, tetracycline
  • A 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

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

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, gas, stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024