Colestipol is a medication that lowers cholesterol if you’re at risk of heart disease or a stroke. If you have high cholesterol, there are too many lipids (fats) in your blood. This medication comes as granules that you mix into a liquid and drink by mouth. Don’t consume the granules in their dry form.
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COLESTIPOL (koe LES ti pole) treats high cholesterol. It works by removing bile acid from your body and decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol (such as LDL) in your blood. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colestid
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is mixed into a liquid and taken by mouth. DO NOT take this medication in the dry form. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Add the granules to 3 or more ounces of water, milk, fruit juice, pulpy fruit juice, fluid soup, or other liquid. Mix well and drink all the liquid (it will not dissolve). Rinse the glass with some additional liquid and swallow to make sure you take the full dose. If you use a carbonated drink, use a larger glass as the mixture will foam. Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after this medication. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.
This medication may cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.
This product may contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), contact your care team for advice.
Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Your care team may give you a special diet to follow. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Ask your care team how much you should exercise.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.