Colestid

Generic name: Colestipol hydrochloride

What is Colestid?

Colestid is used along with dietary modification to lower high cholesterol.

What is the most important information I should know about Colestid?

Accidentally inhaling Colestid granules may cause serious effects. To avoid this, NEVER take them in their dry form. Colestid granules should always be mixed with water or other liquids BEFORE you take them.

Avoid flavored Colestid granules if you have phenylketonuria, since it contains 18.2 milligrams of phenylalanine per 7.5-gram dose.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Colestid; this medication may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

If severe or persistent constipation occurs, ask your doctor about taking a stool softener while you take Colestid.

If the tablet gets stuck after you swallow it, you may notice chest pressure or discomfort. If this happens, contact your doctor right away. Do not take another tablet unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Who should not take Colestid?

You should not take Colestid if you are allergic to it or any of its components.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Colestid?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Colestid. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a bleeding disorder, an abnormality in protein content of the blood (dysproteinemia), diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, phenylketonuria, or an underactive thyroid gland. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or if you suffer from constipation or hemorrhoids.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of Colestid granules contains 5 grams (g) of the active drug. One dose (1 packet or 1 level scoopful) of flavored Colestid granules also contains 5 g of drug.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1 packet or 1 level scoopful taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase this by 1 dose a day every month or every other month, up to 6 packets or 6 level scoopfuls taken once a day or divided into smaller doses.

If you are taking Colestid tablets, the usual starting dose is 2 g taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dose every month or every other month, to a maximum of 16 g a day, taken once a day or divided into smaller doses.

How should I take Colestid?

Colestid granules should be mixed with liquids such as carbonated beverages (may cause stomach or intestinal discomfort), flavored drinks, milk, orange juice, pineapple juice, tomato juice, or water.

Colestid may also be mixed with milk used on breakfast cereals, pulpy fruit (such as crushed peaches, pears, pineapple, or fruit cocktail), or soups with a high liquid content (such as chicken noodle or tomato).

To take Colestid granules with beverages, measure at least 3 ounces of liquid into a glass. Add the prescribed dose of Colestid to the liquid. Stir until the Colestid is completely mixed (it will not dissolve) and then drink the mixture. Pour a small amount of the beverage into the glass, swish it around, and drink it. This will ensure you have taken all the Colestid.

Never take Colestid or flavored Colestid in its dry form.

You must take Colestid tablets one at a time. Promptly swallow the tablets whole with plenty of water or another liquid. Do not chew, crush, or cut the tablets.

Take any other medicines at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take Colestid.

Drinking extra fluids and making sure you get enough fiber is recommended while you are taking Colestid. Check with your doctor for instructions.

Continue to take Colestid even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

What should I avoid while taking Colestid?

Avoid Flavored Colestid granules if you have phenylketonuria, because Flavored Colestid granules contain phenylalanine. Never take Colestid granules in their dry form.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

Avoid driving or performing other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Colestid; this medication may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Colestid?

Colestid may delay or reduce the absorption of other drugs. Allow as much time as possible between taking Colestid and taking other medications. Other drugs should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Colestid. If Colestid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Colestid with the following: chlorothiazide, digitalis, folic acid and vitamins such as A, D, and K, furosemide, gemfibrozil, hydrochlorothiazide, hydrocortisone, penicillin G, phosphate supplements, propranolol, tetracycline.

What are the possible side effects of Colestid?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: constipation, worsening of hemorrhoids, bloating, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion, loose stools, stomach pain or cramping, vomiting

Can I receive Colestid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Colestid during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Colestid?

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Colestid?

Store Colestid at room temperature. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.