Colestid Granules (colestipol hydrochloride)

Do’s

• Take Colestid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage, frequency, and how to mix it with liquids. The usual dosage is 1-2 times a day.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly and drink it right away.
• Rinse your glass with additional liquid and swallow the rinse to ensure you consume the entire dose.
• You can also mix Colestid with watery soups, applesauce, or pulpy fruits with juice (like crushed pineapple or peaches).
• To minimize side effects, your healthcare provider might start you on a low dose and gradually increase it as needed.
• Take Colestid regularly to experience the full benefits. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day for better adherence.
• Take other medications as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after Colestipol to avoid absorption interference.

Don'ts

• Don't take the medication in dry powder form. Always mix the granules or packet contents with at least 3 ounces (90 milliliters) of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) before drinking.
• Don't ingest the dry powder form of Colestid.
• Don't skip doses. Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools

Serious Side Effects:

• Difficulty swallowing and temporary obstruction of the esophagus
• Loss of weight (sudden)
• Stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting
• Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Appetite decreased
• Anorexia
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Agitation or combativeness
• Forgetfulness
• Black, tarry stools
• Severe constipation
• Fast or irregular breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Tachycardia
• Paralytic ileus

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Colestid granules, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to colestipol or any ingredients in Colestipol.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Colestipol, especially:

• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Kidney disease

The flavored Colestipol granules contain aspartame. Consult your healthcare provider if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or a condition requiring aspartame (or phenylalanine) restriction.

Colestipol may reduce the absorption of certain nutrients (folic acid, vitamins A, D, E, K). Your healthcare provider may recommend a multivitamin supplement.

Inform your healthcare provider or healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Colestipol, before any surgery.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially constipation.

Use Colestipol only when clearly necessary. It may affect nutrient absorption. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Colestipol likely does not pass into breast milk but may affect nutrient absorption. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.