Colestid

Colestid Drug Information

• Colestid Overview

  Colestipol is used along with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol helps decrease the risk for strokes and heart attacks. In addition to a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help Colestid work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. Colestid is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels.

• How to Use Colestid

  Take Colestid by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times a day. Colestid comes as granules with doses measured by the scoopful (using the provided scoop) or in individual dose packets. Do not take your dose in the dry powder form. Mix the medication in at least 3 ounces (90 milliliters) of liquid (such as water, milk, fruit juice), stir completely, and drink right away. Rinse your glass with more liquid and drink the rinse liquid to be sure that you have taken the entire dose. You may also mix Colestid with watery soups, applesauce, or a pulpy fruit which has a lot of juice (such as crushed pineapple, peaches). The Dosage of Colestid is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start Colestid at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of Colestid. Colestipol may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colestipol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions. Take Colestid regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking Colestid even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

• Colestid Precautions

  Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Colestid may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Colestid, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney disease. The flavored colestipol granules contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using the flavored granules safely. Because Colestid can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients (such as folic acid, fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Consult your doctor for more information. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Colestid, especially constipation. During pregnancy, Colestid should be used only when clearly needed. It may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Colestid is unlikely to pass into breast milk. However, it may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Colestid Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Colestid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Colestid Interactions

  See also How to Use section. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with Colestid. While using Colestid, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval."blood thinners" (such as warfarin), mycophenolate, raloxifene. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

• Colestid Side Effects

  What are Colestid side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Colestid may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Colestid as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Colestid

  The side effects of Colestid may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Colestid. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Colestid may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Colestid, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Colestid.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Colestid, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Colestid and the side effects associated with Colestid are described in the following:

  Common Colestid Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • constipation

  Less Frequent Colestid Side Effects

  Severe

  • vitamin K deficiency

  Less Severe

  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • vitamin A deficiency
  • vitamin D deficiency
  • dyspepsia
  • heartburn
  • loose stools

  Rare or Very Rare Colestid Side Effects

  Severe

  • peptic ulcer
  • biliary calculus
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • steatorrhea
  • malabsorption states
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • cholecystitis

  Less Severe

  • chest pain
  • angina
  • tachycardia
  • skin rash
  • urticaria
  • skin inflammation
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • arthralgias
  • arthritis
  • back pain
  • headache disorder
  • migraine
  • insomnia
  • anorexia
  • fatigue
  • general weakness
  • dyspnea
  • swelling of feet
  • swelling of hands

• Colestid Storage

  Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Colestid when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.