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Compare Prevalite vs. Colestid

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

Key takeaways

Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid) are both bile acid sequestrants used to lower cholesterol, but they have some differences. Cholestyramine is available only as a powder that you mix with a liquid, while colestipol comes in both tablet and granule forms. Cholestyramine can also treat itching caused by bile duct blockage, which colestipol does not. Both medications can cause constipation, but colestipol tablets are noted to be large and may be hard to swallow. Cholestyramine can lead to tooth discoloration and decay if not taken properly, a side effect not mentioned for colestipol. Additionally, both medications can interfere with the absorption of other medications and vitamins, so you need to space out their intake from other medications. Both are available in lower-cost, generic forms.

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

  • Summary of Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine (Prevalite) is used to help lower cholesterol. It can also be used to treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. The medication can cause stomach-related side effects, like constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort.

    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.

  • Indications of Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol (in combination with diet)
    •Itching caused by bile duct blockage
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults; added onto a heart-healthy diet and exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol in people who haven't been able to lower it with diet or exercise
    •Available as an easy-to-use powder formulation that can be mixed with soups, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can make you feel constipated
    •Need to get your blood checked frequently during the first few months of treatment and periodically thereafter
    •Doesn't lower cholesterol as well as other drugs like statins
    •Can cause tooth discoloration or tooth decay
    •May need to take vitamins A, D, E, K, folic acid, or iron if you're taking this medication for a long time
    •Might not be a good option if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild constipation
    •Stomach discomfort
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating or gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Common Side Effects for
    •BOWEL OBSTRUCTION OR BLOCKAGE
    •GREATER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •CONSTIPATION
    •TEETH PROBLEMS
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    •LOW FOLIC ACID LEVELS
    •VITAMIN INTERACTIONS
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Prevalite vs. Colestid

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Colestipol

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