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Colestid

Cholesterol facts

  • High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
  • Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
  • Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
  • Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
  • Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
  • Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
  • LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
  • HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

Colestid

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Colestid®
(micronized colestipol hydrochloride) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient in COLESTID Tablets is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Colestipol is an insoluble, high molecular weight basic anion-exchange copolymer of diethylenetriamine and 1-chloro-2, 3-epoxypropane, with approximately 1 out of 5 amine nitrogens protonated (chloride form). It is a light yellow water-insoluble resin which is hygroscopic and swells when suspended in water or aqueous fluids.

Each COLESTID Tablet contains one gram of micronized colestipol hydrochloride. COLESTID (colestipol) Tablets are light yellow in color and are tasteless and odorless. Inactive ingredients: cellulose acetate phthalate, glyceryl triacetate, carnauba wax, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, povidone, silicon dioxide. COLESTID (colestipol) Tablets contain no calories.

What are the possible side effects of colestipol (Colestid, Colestid Flavored)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • trouble swallowing;
  • severe constipation or stomach pain;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
  • easy bruising or bleeding, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Colestid »

What are the precautions when taking colestipol (Colestid)?

Before taking colestipol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swallowing problems, constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney disease.

Because this drug 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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Colestid »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/9/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Colestid - User Reviews

Colestid User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Colestid sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Cholesterol Management

Tips to keep it under control.