Colestipol Hydrochloride (By Mouth)

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

Lowers high cholesterol levels.

Brand Name(s):

Colestid, Colestid Flavored
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to colestipol.

How to Use This Medicine:

Powder, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• You should not use the powder medicine in dry form.
• Mix the powder with one-half glass (3 ounces) 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.
• Colestipol powder may also be mixed in milk used on breakfast cereals, chicken or tomato soups, or fruit cocktail.
• If you need to take more than one tablet for your full dose of medicine, swallow each tablet one at a time with plenty of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.
• Drink several glasses of liquids each day while using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Take other medicines 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take colestipol. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you need help deciding the best time to take your medicines.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking propranolol (Inderal®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), "water pills" (such as Lasix® or Diuril®), tetracycline, penicillin G, or gemfibrozil (Lopid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine is used with diet, exercise, and weight loss in overweight patients to control high cholesterol levels. To lower and keep your cholesterol normal, all of these are important.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Severe constipation and stomach bloating

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

• Belching
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach upset or discomfort

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