$Unique_ID{BRK03107}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{colestipol}
$Subject{Colestid Upjohn Antihyperlipidemic lipid-lowering drug colestipol
lower levels bile salts gastrointestinal tract cholesterol}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


colestipol
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Colestid (Upjohn)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)

INGREDIENT

     colestipol

DOSAGE FORM

     Oral granules (5 g per level 5-ml measuring spoon)

STORAGE

     Colestipol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     This medication is used to lower cholesterol levels.  It chemically binds
to bile salts in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the body from
producing cholesterol.

TREATMENT

     Colestipol is usually taken before meals.  Each dose should be measured
carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen
teaspoon is not accurate enough.  The dose should then be added to at least
three ounces of fluid (water, milk, fruit juice, or other carbonated or
noncarbonated beverage).  The mixture should be stirred and completely mixed
(the granules do not completely dissolve).  After the solution has been drunk,
the glass should be refilled with the same beverage and this solution
swallowed as well.  This ensures that the whole dose is taken.  The granules
can also be mixed with soup, applesauce, or crushed pineapple.  You should
never take colestipol dry; you might accidentally inhale the granules, which
could irritate your throat and lungs.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     Colestipol does not cure hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol
levels), but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to
take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety, belching, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness,
fatigue, gas, headache, hiccups, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain,
vomiting, or weight loss or gain.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs otherwise).  A stool softener may
also be helpful; ask your pharmacist to recommend one.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
backaches; bleeding gums; bloating; bloody or black, tarry stools; difficult
or painful urination; muscle or joint pains; rash or irritation of the skin,
tongue, or rectal area; ringing in the ears; swollen glands; tingling
sensations; unusual bleeding or bruising; or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Colestipol interferes with the absorption of a number of other drugs,
including phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (water pills), digoxin,
penicillins, tetracycline, phenobarbital, folic acid, iron, thyroid hormones,
oral vancomycin, adrenocorticosteroids, and the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins
A, D, E, and K).  The effectiveness of these medications will be decreased by
colestipol.  To avoid this interaction, take the other medications one hour
before or four to six hours after a dose of colestipol.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to
any type of drug, especially to colestipol.
     * Before starting to take this drug, be sure to tell your doctor if you
now have or if you have ever had bleeding disorders, biliary obstruction,
heart disease, hemorrhoids, gallstones or gallbladder disease, kidney disease,
malabsorptive disorders, stomach ulcers, or an obstructed intestine.
     * Colestipol should be used only in conjunction with a carefully
regulated diet, weight reduction, or correction of other conditions that could
be causing high blood cholesterol levels.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although colestipol
appears to be safe (because none is absorbed into the bloodstream), extensive
studies in humans during pregnancy have not been conducted.  Also, be sure to
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  This medication can
decrease absorption of some vitamins in the mother, which could result in
decreased availability of the vitamins to the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.