colestipol

What is the most important information I should know about colestipol?

What is colestipol?

Colestipol is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Colestipol lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Lowering high cholesterol levels is an important part of preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Colestipol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking colestipol?

To make sure colestipol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• trouble swallowing;
• constipation or hemorrhoids;
• blockage in your intestines;
• a stomach or digestive disorder;
• liver disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• a bleeding disorder;
• a history of major stomach or bowel surgery; or
• if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.

Colestipol is not expected to harm an unborn baby when taken at recommended doses. However, taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that are needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Some forms of colestipol may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using colestipol if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take colestipol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Dissolve the colestipol granules in a small amount of water, milk, broth soup, applesauce, hot or cold cereal, or crushed fruit (such as pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail). Stir this mixture and drink or eat all of it right away. Swallow the mixture without chewing or holding it in your mouth. Colestipol can damage your teeth if left in contact with them for too long.

Use only the dosing scoop that comes with your supply of colestipol granules. Do not keep it for later use. The scoop may not be the right size for use with a different brand of colestipol granules.

While using colestipol, you may need frequent blood tests.

Colestipol is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking colestipol?

What are the possible side effects of colestipol?

• trouble swallowing;
• severe constipation or stomach pain; or
• black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Common side effects may include:

• constipation; or
• hemorrhoids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect colestipol?

Other drugs may interact with colestipol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about colestipol.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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