7 Bile Acid Sequestrant Interactions You Should Know About
Bile acid sequestrants help lower cholesterol. But they can affect the absorption of other drugs, limiting their effectiveness.
colestipol
Used for High Cholesterol
Used for High Cholesterol
Colestipol, also known by its brand name Colestid, is a bile acid sequestrant. It's used along with diet and exercise to treat high cholesterol in adults. Colestipol (Colestid) comes as tablets and granules for suspension. Depending on the dose, the medication is taken either once per day or many times per day. Side effects generally include constipation, bloating, and stomach pain.
What is Colestipol (Colestid)?
What is Colestipol (Colestid) used for?
- High cholesterol in adults
How Colestipol (Colestid) works
Colestipol (Colestid) is a bile acid sequestrant. It works by attaching to bile acid in your intestines, causing your body to get rid of them in your stool. To replace the lost bile acids, your liver uses the cholesterol in your body to make more. This helps lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
When does Colestipol (Colestid) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Colestid |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Bile acid sequestrant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Colestipol (Colestid)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Constipation
Less Common Side Effects
- Gas
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Stomach cramps
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Colestipol (Colestid) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blockage in the digestive tract: severe constipation, severe stomach pain, blood in your stool
When do Colestipol (Colestid) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Risk of constipation
Risk of bloating or gas
Risk of nausea
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
The following Colestipol (Colestid) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Rare
Loss of weight (sudden)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Colestipol (Colestid)
Pros
- Nonstatin option for lowering cholesterol
- Available as tablets and granules for suspension
Cons
- Often causes constipation
- Can affect how your body absorbs other medications
Pharmacist tips for Colestipol (Colestid)
- Take colestipol (Colestid) at any time of day that works best for your schedule. You can take it with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, you can try taking it with food to help. Be sure to be consistent every day so the medication can work the best it can for you.
- For the colestipol tablets (Colestid): Swallow each tablet whole. Don't chew, crush, or cut it. If you need to take more than 1 tablet, swallow one at a time with plenty of water or another drink. Talk to your prescriber if you have trouble swallowing the tablets.
- For the colestipol granules for suspension (Colestid): The granules come in single-dose packets or a bottle with a scooper. Mix your prescribed amount of granules with at least 3 ounces of water or another liquid in a cup. Stir well, but keep in mind that the granules won't fully dissolve. Drink the mixture, then rinse the cup with more liquid and drink that too. This helps make sure you get your full dose.
- Take any other medications or vitamins by mouth at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol (Colestid). Colestipol (Colestid) can keep your body from absorbing some medications in your stomach and make them work less well. These can include levothyroxine (Synthroid), warfarin, and multivitamins. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure how to space out your medications.
- Constipation is common with colestipol (Colestid). It's typically mild and goes away as you continue to take the medication. Be sure to drink enough fluids and get enough fiber to help. But tell your prescriber if constipation doesn't get better or becomes severe.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly while taking colestipol (Colestid). These healthy habits can work along with the medication to help lower your cholesterol. Talk with your care team about a lifestyle plan that works best for you.
- Try to limit alcohol while taking colestipol (Colestid). Drinking too much alcohol can raise your cholesterol. This can make it harder to reach your cholesterol goals. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about a safe amount of alcohol for you.
- Keep your follow-up and blood test appointments while taking colestipol (Colestid). Your care team will check your cholesterol levels and ask about side effects. This helps them see how well the medication is working and if your treatment plan needs to change.
- If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding: Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking colestipol (Colestid). It can block how well certain vitamins get absorbed into the body. These vitamins are important for a healthy pregnancy and for your baby to get from your breast milk. Your prescriber can help decide if colestipol (Colestid) is right for you.
Risks and warnings for Colestipol (Colestid)
Colestipol (Colestid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of choking
- Risk factors: Swallowing the colestipol granules in their dry form | Swallowing more than one colestipol tablet at the same time | Swallowing problems | Changes to the anatomy of your digestive tract
Colestipol (Colestid) can cause choking if it's not taken correctly. If you use the granules for suspension, never swallow them in their dry form. Mix the granules with at least 3 ounces of liquid first before taking the medication.
If you take the colestipol tablets, swallow them one at a time.
Tell your prescriber if you have trouble swallowing. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or feel pressure or discomfort in your throat after taking colestipol.
Low folic acid and vitamin A, D, E, and K
Colestipol (Colestid) can interfere with how your body absorbs certain vitamins. These include folic acid and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Ask your prescriber if you need to take a vitamin supplement while taking colestipol (Colestid).
If you take a vitamin supplement, take it at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol (Colestid). This helps your body absorb the vitamins properly.
Higher risk of bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking colestipol (Colestid) for a long time
Colestipol (Colestid) can raise your risk of bleeding. This can happen because the medication can lower vitamin K, which helps your blood clot and stop bleeding.
Tell your care team if you bruise more easily, have bleeding that takes longer to stop, or notice blood in your urine or stool.
Interactions with other medications
Take other medications by mouth at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol (Colestid). Colestipol (Colestid) can interfere with how your body absorbs oral medications. This can cause those other medications to work less well. Examples include birth control pills and thyroid medications.
Use with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - granules for oral suspension only
Some versions of colestipol granules, like brand name Colestid, can contain phenylalanine. Phenylalanine comes from the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), too much phenylalanine can be harmful.
If you have PKU, tell your prescriber. Also ask your pharmacist if your colestipol granules contain phenylalanine. They can help find a version without it.
Colestipol (Colestid) dosage
The average cost for 180 tablets of 1g of Colestipol (Colestid) is $53.36 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.10% off the average retail price of $65.15. 
Bottle of powder
Carton
Packet
Tablet
Bottle of powder| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500g of 5g/dose | 1 bottle | $65.90 | $65.90 |
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 packets of 5g | 2 cartons | $62.34 | $31.17 |
| 90 packets of 5g | 1 carton | $91.26 | $91.26 |
Packet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g of 5g/dose | 30 packets | $33.42 | $1.11 |
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1g | 180 tablets | $53.36 | $0.30 |
Interactions between Colestipol (Colestid) and other drugs
Colestipol (Colestid) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Colestipol (Colestid). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Colestipol (Colestid) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Bezafibrate
- Deferasirox
- Digoxin
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Mycophenolic Acid
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Diclofenac
- Diltiazem
- Ezetimibe
- Fenofibrate
- Furosemide
- Hydrocortisone
- Tetracycline
How much does Colestipol (Colestid) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Colestipol (Colestid)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Colestipol (Colestid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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