Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Questran 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
    Colestipol (Colestid)
  • Cholestyramine
    Colestipol (Colestid)

  • Summary of Questran vs. Colestid

    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.

    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 Questran vs. Colestid

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

  • Pros and Cons of Questran vs. Colestid

    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
    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 Questran vs. Colestid

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

  • Warnings of Questran vs. Colestid

    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
    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 Questran vs. Colestid

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Colestipol

Compare other High Cholesterol drugs

Imodium vs QuestranQuestran vs AlosetronQuestran vs BentylQuestran vs ColestidQuestran vs Pepto BismolAlka Seltzer vs TumsBentyl vs DonnatalBentyl vs ImodiumBentyl vs LevsinBentyl vs LibraxBentyl vs ViberziIbsrela vs AmitizaIbsrela vs BentylIbsrela vs LinzessIbsrela vs MotegrityIbsrela vs TrulanceIbsrela vs ViberziIbsrela vs XifaxanImodium vs AlosetronImodium vs Pepto BismolLomotil vs ImodiumMaalox vs TumsOmeprazole vs Pepto BismolPantoprazole vs Pepto BismolPepcid vs Pepto BismolPrevacid vs Pepto BismolTums vs Pepto BismolXifaxan vs BentylZantac vs Pepto BismolZofran vs Pepto Bismol
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.