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Colestipol Coupon - Colestipol 1g tablet

colestipol

Generic Colestid
Used for High Cholesterol
Used for High Cholesterol

Colestipol, also known by its brand name Colestid, is a bile acid sequestrant that's used to treat high cholesterol in adults. It should be taken along with having a balanced diet and exercise routine to help lower cholesterol. The tablets and granules for suspension are taken either once per day or many times per day, depending on the dose. Side effects are generally limited to the stomach and can include constipation, bloating, and stomach pain. Colestipol (Colestid) has brand-name and generic versions.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 23, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Colestipol (Colestid)?

What is Colestipol (Colestid) used for?

How Colestipol (Colestid) works

Colestipol (Colestid) is a bile acid sequestrant. It works by attaching to bile acid in your intestines and making your body get rid of bile acid through your stool. This causes your liver to make more bile acid from the cholesterol in your body. As a result, the amount of cholesterol in your blood drops.

When does Colestipol (Colestid) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsColestid
Drug ClassBile acid sequestrant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$47.51(save 46.73%)
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$25.31
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Stomach pain
  • Stomach cramps
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

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:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
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.

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

Rare

Black, tarry stools

stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Constipation

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:

Less common

Belching

bloating

diarrhea

dizziness

headache

nausea or vomiting

stomach pain

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Colestipol (Colestid)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as tablets and granules for suspension

Can take with or without food

An alternative to a statin

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice medication for lowering cholesterol

Need to take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol (Colestid)

Might need to take multiple times per day, especially if you're taking higher doses or if you're having side effects (e.g., stomach upset)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Colestipol (Colestid)

pharmacist

  • Mark your calendar with your appointments to follow up with your prescriber. Also get your blood work done to see how well colestipol (Colestid) is working to lower your cholesterol levels. Discuss with your prescriber about your cholesterol levels and any side effects to see whether you need any changes to your treatment plan.

    • For the colestipol (Colestid) tablets: Swallow each tablet whole; never chew, crush, or cut the tablets. If you need to take more than 1 tablet for each dose, take 1 tablet at a time and swallow each tablet with plenty of water or other drink. Ask your prescriber about your options if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets.

      • For the colestipol (Colestid) granules for suspension: The granules come in either single-dose packets or a bulk bottle that you'll need to scoop the granules out of. Mix the granules with at least 3 ounces of water or another liquid. Stir until it's completely mixed; the granules won't dissolve. Then, drink the mixture. Rinse the glass with more liquid and drink it to make sure you've taken all the medication.

        • Colestipol (Colestid) commonly causes constipation. It's typically mild and goes away as you continue to take the medication. Try preventing or managing constipation by adding more fiber to your diet and staying hydrated. You can also consider some over-the-counter medications to help relieve constipation. Talk to your prescriber if your constipation doesn't get better or if it gets severe.

          • Take any other medications that you swallow at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol (Colestid). This helps prevent colestipol (Colestid) from attaching to other medications in your stomach and interfering with how well they get absorbed into your body.

            • Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Colestipol (Colestid) can block how well certain vitamins get absorbed into the body. These vitamins are important for a healthy pregnancy. They're also important vitamins that your baby should get from your breast milk.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Colestipol (Colestid)

              How soon can you eat after taking colestipol (Colestid)?
              You can eat at any time after you take colestipol (Colestid). You can take this medication with or without food.
              Can I take colestipol (Colestid) on an empty stomach?
              Yes, you can take colestipol (Colestid) on an empty stomach if you'd like. Food doesn't affect how the medication works. For this reason, you can actually take colestipol (Colestid) with or without food. Keep in mind that you'll need to mix the granule form of the medication with some sort of liquid before you take it.
              Can you take colestipol (Colestid) for diarrhea?
              Although bile acid sequestrants like colestipol (Colestid) have been studied for treating diarrhea, there isn't enough clinical evidence to make a clear recommendation about whether it's beneficial. Colestipol (Colestid) isn't FDA approved for this purpose and should only be used for diarrhea if a healthcare professional specifically says it's safe for you. Contact your primary care provider if you have diarrhea. They'll probably recommend diet changes or over-the-counter medications as first steps.
              Is colestipol (Colestid) a statin?
              No, colestipol (Colestid) isn't a statin. This medication is a bile acid sequestrant. Bile acid sequestrants and statins are two completely different classes of medications for cholesterol. They work in different ways to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL). It's possible for someone to take both colestipol (Colestid) and a statin together to help lower cholesterol.
              Does colestipol (Colestid) cause hair loss?
              Colestipol (Colestid) isn't known to cause hair loss. Let your care team know if you experience hair loss during treatment. They can examine you and discuss with you about possible causes of your hair loss, such as other medications or medical conditions.
              Does colestipol (Colestid) cause weight gain?
              No, weight gain isn't a typical side effect of colestipol (Colestid). Let your primary care provider know if you notice unusual or unexpected weight gain while you're taking colestipol (Colestid). They can try to help you figure out what's causing this weight gain.
              What's the difference between colestipol (Colestid) and cholestyramine (Prevalite)?
              Both colestipol (Colestid) and cholestyramine (Prevalite) are bile acid sequestrants that can be used to treat high cholesterol (as an add-on to a heart-healthy diet and exercise). But cholestyramine (Prevalite) is also used to help treat itching from having too much bile (a medical condition called cholestatic pruritis). Colestipol (Colestid) is available as tablets and granules for suspension, whereas cholestyramine (Prevalite) is only as a powder for suspension. Ask a member of your care team if you have specific questions about comparing these medications and choosing an option that best fits your needs.
              How long does colestipol (Colestid) stay in your system?
              Colestipol (Colestid) doesn't get absorbed into your body so it actually doesn't stay in your system. When you take colestipol (Colestid), it works in your digestive tract (stomach and intestines) where it attaches to bile acid. Once attached to the bile acid, the medication-bile acid mixture gets removed from your digestive tract in your stool.
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              What are the 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-warning

              Risk of choking

              • Risk factors: Swallowing the granules for suspension in its dry form | Swallowing multiple tablets at the same time | Swallowing problems | Changes to the anatomy of your digestive tract

                Taking colestipol (Colestid) granules for suspension in its dry form raises your risk of choking. Be sure to mix the granules with 3 ounces of liquid before you take the medication. In addition, taking multiple tablets at the same time (instead of one right after the other) can also put you at risk of choking. Ask your prescriber whether this medication is right for you if you already have trouble swallowing. Let your prescriber know right away if you feel pressure or discomfort in your throat after swallowing the medication.

                risk-warning

                Low vitamin A, D, E, and K and folic acid

                Colestipol (Colestid) might lower how well your body absorbs certain vitamins, in particular vitamin A, D, E, and K and folic acid. Ask your prescriber if you need to take supplements to keep your vitamin levels healthy. If you're taking these supplements, make sure you take them at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol (Colestid) so the medication doesn't interfere with the vitamins.

                risk-warning

                Higher risk of bleeding

                • Risk factors: Taking colestipol (Colestid) for a long period of time | Taking blood thinners

                  Colestipol (Colestid) can raise your risk of bleeding. This is because the medication can cause low levels of vitamin K, which is an important vitamin that helps stop bleeding. The risk is higher if you're taking colestipol (Colestid) for a long time or if you're also taking blood thinners. Tell your prescriber if you notice unexplained bruising, blood in your stool, or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.

                  risk-warning

                  Must separate from other medications

                  Make sure to take any other medications that you take by mouth at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol (Colestid) to avoid drug interactions. Colestipol (Colestid) can lower how well your body absorbs other medications. This can possibly affect how well these other medications work for you. Examples of medications that can interact with colestipol (Colestid) in this way include birth control pills and thyroid medications.

                  risk-warning

                  Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - granules for oral suspension only

                  The granules for suspension form of colestipol (Colestid) can contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking this form of the medication can be dangerous for you. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether the granules for suspension you have are safe for you to take. There are other manufacturers that make the medication in a formulation that might be safer for you.

                  dosage

                  Colestipol (Colestid) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 60 tablets of 1g of Colestipol (Colestid) is $25.31 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 46.73% off the average retail price of $47.51.
                  bottle of powder
                  Bottle of powder
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  500g of 5g/dose1 bottle$66.90$66.90
                  carton
                  Carton
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  30 packets of 5g1 carton$33.42$33.42
                  90 packets of 5g1 carton$91.26$91.26
                  packet
                  Packet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5g of 5g/dose30 packets$33.42$1.11
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1g60 tablets$25.31$0.42

                  Typical dosing for Colestipol (Colestid)

                  You'll typically start colestipol (Colestid) at a low dose. Your prescriber might raise your dose every 1 or 2 months based on your cholesterol levels and the side effects you might. You can take the dose at all once or split it up into smaller doses throughout the day.

                  interactions

                  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

                  Bile acid sequestrants: drug interactions BAS

                  7 Bile Acid Sequestrant Interactions You Should Know About

                  Written by Nathan Williams, PharmD, RYT

                  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.

                  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.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Colestipol (Colestid) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Colestid (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $25.31

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                  Colestipol (Colestid) (generic)
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                  alternatives

                  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.
                  Colestipol (Colestid)
                  Used for:
                  $25.31 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
                  Used for:

                  • High cholesterol (in combination with diet)

                  • Itching caused by bile duct blockage

                  $55.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Colesevelam (Welchol)
                  Used for:
                  $25.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Colestipol (Colestid) images

                  Yellow Oval G - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "G".Yellow Oval G - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  Yellow Oval 5 - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "5".Yellow Oval 5 - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  Yellow Oval G And 450 - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "G" And "450".Yellow Oval G And 450 - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  Yellow Oval S - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "S".Yellow Oval S - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  Yellow Oval Cz - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Cz".Yellow Oval Cz - Colestipol Hydrochloride 1g Tablet

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Camilleri, M., et al. (2020). The role of bile acids in chronic diarrhea. The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

                  Grundy, S. M., et al. (2018). 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation.

                  Kode, V., et al. (2024). Cholestatic pruritus: Pathophysiology, current management approach, and emerging therapies. Current Hepatology Reports.

                  View All References (5)

                  LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. (2017). Bile acids. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Vitamins.

                  National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

                  Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC. (2024). Colestid- colestipol hydrochloride granule, for suspension; Flavored Colestid- colestipol hydrochloride granule, for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC. (2024). Colestid- colestipol hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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