COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) is an anion-exchange resin used to lower blood cholesterol levels. The active ingredient in Colestid (COLESTIPOL) Tablets is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets may be larger than pills you have
taken before. If you have had swallowing problems or
choking with food, liquids or other tablets or capsules in
the past, you should discuss this with your doctor before
taking COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets.
It is important that you take COLESTID (COLESTIPOL)Tablets correctly:
1. Always take one tablet of COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) at a time and swallow
promptly.
2. Swallow each tablet of COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew
the COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) tablets.
3.COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets must be taken with water or
another liquid that you prefer. Swallowing the COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) tablets
will be easier if you drink plenty of liquid as you swallow
each tablet of COLESTID (COLESTIPOL).
Difficulty in swallowing and temporary obstruction of the
esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach)
have been rarely reported in patients taking COLESTID (COLESTIPOL)
Tablets. If a tablet of COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) does get stuck after you swallow it,
you may notice pressure or discomfort. If this happens
to you, you should contact your doctor. Do not take
COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets again without your doctor's advice.
If you are taking other medications, you should take
them at least one hour before or four hours after taking
COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets. COLESTID (COLESTIPOL) Tablets are light yellow in color and are tasteless and odorless. Cholesterol is the major, and probably the sole precursor
of bile acids. During normal digestion, bile acids
are secreted via the bile from the liver and gall bladder
into the intestines. Bile acids emulsify the fat and lipid
materials present in food, thus facilitating absorption. A
major portion of the bile acids secreted is reabsorbed
from the intestines and returned via the portal circulation
to the liver, thus completing the enterohepatic cycle.
Only very small amounts of bile acids are found in normal
serum.
Colestipol hydrochloride binds bile acids in the intestine
forming a complex that is excreted in the feces. This
nonsystemic action results in a partial removal of the
bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation, preventing
their reabsorption. Since colestipol hydrochloride is an
anion exchange resin, the chloride anions of the resin
can be replaced by other anions, usually those with a
greater affinity for the resin than the chloride ion.
COLESTID side effects, that may go away during treatment, include constipation, gas, nausea, or heartburn. If COLESTID side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other COLESTID side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine and lead to COLESTID side effects. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking digoxin. Inform your doctor of any other COLESTID side effects,medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF COLESTID IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of certain liver conditions (primary biliary cirrhosis)otherwise they may result in COLESTID side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about COLESTID side effects.
COLESTID Information provided by your doctor. SWALLOW COLESTID WHOLE. Do not cut, chew, or crush the COLESTID tablet. TAKE EACH DOSE of COLESTID with a full glass of water. Drink several glasses of water or other liquids daily. TAKE OTHER MEDICINES 1 hour or more before or at least 4 hours after taking COLESTID. STORE COLESTID at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF COLESTID, take COLESTID as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.