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Colestid
Colestid is a prescription drug licensed to treat high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The medication binds to bile acids in the intestines, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the body. Colestid is available in either tablet or granule form, and is generally taken once or twice a day. Potential side effects include constipation, intestinal gas, and vomiting.
What Is Colestid?
Colestid® (colestipol) is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol in the body, including total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). Lowering the amount of cholesterol may help to prevent conditions such as heart disease, angina (chest pain), stroke, or heart attack. This medication should be used in combination with diet and exercise for the best effects.
(Click Colestid Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Who Makes It?
Colestid is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
How Does Colestid Work?
This medication is part of a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the body. Bile acids are made in the liver from broken-down cholesterol. Therefore, removing these substances from your body helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Colestid can lower both total and LDL cholesterol levels.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Colestid include the following:
- The medication is taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's recommendation.
- Colestid should be used in combination with lifestyle modifications. This includes a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, limited alcohol use, weight loss, and exercise.
- Your dosage should be taken with a meal and plenty of water to avoid constipation.
- Colestid comes in either tablets or granules. The tablets are large pills, so be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have had swallowing or choking problems in the past.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- The granules should never be taken in their dry form. Make sure to follow the preparation directions on the prescription. Colestid may be mixed with water, non-carbonated beverages, liquid soup, applesauce, or crushed pineapple.
- The medication should be taken at the same time each day to help maintain an even level in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- Colestid may reduce the absorption of some medications. If you are taking another medication, you may need to take it one hour before or four to six hours after you take Colestid. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can let you know which medications need to be taken separately.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Colestid will not work if you stop taking it.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD