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Compare Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Colestipol (Colestid)
    Cholestyramine
  • Colestipol (Colestid)
    Cholestyramine

  • Summary of Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to treat adults with high cholesterol and itching caused by bile duct problems. It comes as a powder in packets or a can that you mix with liquid to make an oral suspension before taking it. You take a dose by mouth 1 to 6 times a day, depending on your condition. The most common side effect is constipation.

  • Indications of Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults; added onto a heart-healthy diet and exercise
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol, added onto a heart-healthy diet and exercise
    •Itching caused by bile duct problems

  • Pros and Cons of Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Available as tablets and granules for suspension
    •Can take with or without food
    •An alternative to a statin
    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)
    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol if diet and exercise alone haven’t worked
    •Works only in your gut so it doesn’t get absorbed into your bloodstream
    •Powder can be mixed with foods like soup, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available in regular and light (lower sugar) options
    Cons
    •Can cause constipation and stomach discomfort
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Might need to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), especially if taken for a long time

  • Common Side Effects of Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of choking
    •Low vitamin A, D, E, and K and folic acid
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Must separate from other medications
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - granules for oral suspension only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Risk of acid imbalance
    •Constipation
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - light formulation only

  • Prices with our coupons for Colestipol vs. Cholestyramine

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    Learn more about Cholestyramine

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