Information About Colestid

Colestid (colestipol) is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the bile acid resin class of drugs. Studies have shown that Colestid mainly lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 15 to 30%, though it also slightly raises HDL ("good") cholesterol by 3 to 5%. Colestid does not appear to affect triglycerides and, in some cases, may actually raise triglycerides if taken for a prolonged amount of time.Colestid works by binding to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing the absorption of cholesterol into the blood. As a consequence, cholesterol is excreted through the feces instead of circulated in the body.The powdered form of Colestid should be mixed with water or juice before consuming. Due to the gritty nature of the powder, you may add the powder to other foods and drinks in order to improve the taste of Colestid. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of fluid. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Make sure you consume the entire contents of the dose in order to receive the full cholesterol-lowering benefit of Colestid.The following groups of people should not take Colestid:

• Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to Colestid or any of its components
• Individuals diagnosed with a bowel obstruction

Individuals with the following conditions may or may not be able to take Colestid. It's important that they consult with a healthcare provider before doing so.

• difficulty swallowing
• triglycerides greater than 300 mg/dL
• gallbladder disease
• bleeding disorder
• hemorrhoids

There have only been few studies on Colestid use in pregnant women, so caution is advised. Since this drug can decrease the absorption of some vitamins, the effectiveness of prenatal vitamins may be decreased while taking Colestid.Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common side effects experienced with Colestid use. These may include bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation and abdominal pain. Dizziness, anxiety, diarrhea, fatigue and headache have also been reported.The following drugs may interact with Colestid by decreasing the amount of medication absorbed into your blood. As a rule, it probably a good idea not to take any other medications or supplements two hours before or six hours after taking a bile acid resin such as Colestid. If you are required to take one of the drugs or supplements listed below, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or the time you take it, monitor you more closely for side effects, or discontinue your use of it all together:

• Thyroid hormones
• Lanoxin (digoxin)
• Statins
• Iron
• Folic acid
• Methotrexate
• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics (examples include hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and Lasix (furosemide))
• Propanolol
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
• Fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)

Disclaimer

This is a brief, non-inclusive overview of Colestid. It should not replace the information provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of this drug.

_Sources:

Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.

Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.