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Colestipol

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Colestid

    • Bile Acid Sequestrants

    Oral bile acid resin; similar to cholestyramine in its cholesterol-lowering effects.

    Indicated for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipoproteinemia as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total-C and LDL-C.

    For the treatment of digoxin overdose, digitoxin overdose, or digitoxin toxicity.

    Hypersensitivity to colestipol

    Bowel obstruction

    • Gastrointestinal (mostly)
    • Constipation
    • Stomach pain
    • Belching
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Flatulance
    • Diarrhea
    • Dizziness
    • Anxiety
    • Vertigo
    • Fatigue
    • Drowsiness
    • Heartburn
    • Steatorrhea
    • Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins
    • Gallstones
    • Dysphagia
    • GI bleeding
    • Cholecystitis
    • Peptic ulceration
    • Transient esophageal obstruction

    Increased risk of bleeding due to hypoprothrombinemia from vitamin K deficiency

    May interfere with fat absorption, and decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

    May worsen pre-existing constipation

    Take other medications 1 hr before or 4 hr after colestipol

    If significant increase in triglycerides, consider dose reduction, discontinuation or alternatives

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: use caution; may interfere with vitamin absorption in infants

    Adults

    30 g/day PO colestipol granules or 16 g/day PO colestipol tablets.

    Elderly

    30 g/day PO colestipol granules or 16 g/day PO colestipol tablets.

    Adolescents

    Safety and efficacy have not been established; 15 g/day PO has been used safely for hypercholesterolemia.

    Children

    7—12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established; 15 g/day PO has been used safely for hypercholesterolemia.
    < 7 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Colestipol hydrochloride

    granules, bottle

    • 5g

    granules, packets

    • 5g

    tablet

    • 1g