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General Medication Fact Sheet for Colestid
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Colestid |
| Generic Name | Colestipol |
| Boxed/Label Warning | N/A |
| Purpose | Lowers LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. |
| Mechanism of Action | Binds to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion. This causes the liver to produce more bile acids, using cholesterol in the process, thus lowering LDL cholesterol levels. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, granules for suspension |
| Available Strengths | 1 gram tablets, 5 gram granules per packet |
| Dosage Frequency | 1-2 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Constipation, abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, nausea. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe constipation, fecal impaction, bowel obstruction, increased triglycerides. |
| Drug Interactions | May interfere with the absorption of other medications, including thiazide diuretics, digoxin, warfarin, and some antibiotics. Separate administration times are recommended. |
| Important Notes | Take Colestid with plenty of water. It may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Consider supplementation if taking Colestid long-term. Consult a doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed. |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Cholestyramine, Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor). |
Colestid Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cholestyramine (Questran) | Bile acid sequestrant | Similar mechanism to Colestid, also available as a powder for suspension. |
| Ezetimibe (Zetia) | Inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption | Reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. |
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | Decreases cholesterol production in the liver. Requires monitoring of liver function. |
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | More potent statin for lowering LDL cholesterol. Requires monitoring of liver function. |
Colestid Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Constipation | Severe constipation |
| Abdominal discomfort | Fecal impaction |
| Bloating | Bowel obstruction |
| Gas | Increased triglycerides |
| Nausea | Vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) |
Colestid Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypercholesterolemia | 2 grams | 2-16 grams daily in divided doses | Take with plenty of water. Separate administration from other medications by at least 1-2 hours. |
| Pruritus associated with cholestasis | 2 grams | 2-16 grams daily in divided doses | May take with or without food. |
Colestid Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $50 – $150 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $250 – $400 |
| From Canada | $58.95 |
