home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-