Colestid Side Effects

Generic name: colestipol

Note: This document contains side effect information about colestipol. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Colestid.

Some side effects of Colestid may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to colestipol: oral granule for reconstitution, oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking colestipol (the active ingredient contained in Colestid) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• trouble swallowing;

• severe constipation or stomach pain;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

• easy bruising or bleeding, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite.

Less serious side effects of colestipol may include:

• mild or occasional constipation;

• gas, indigestion, heartburn;

• diarrhea; or

• hemorrhoids or rectal irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to colestipol: oral granule for reconstitution, oral tablet

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects occur in the majority of patients. In one study, up to 68% of patients complained of gastrointestinal side effects. Constipation is most common and can be severe. Intestinal obstruction is reported with another bile acid sequestrant; elderly and pediatric patients treated with colestipol (the active ingredient contained in Colestid) may be at risk for this as well. Increases in fluid intake as well as dietary fiber may help to reduce the severity of constipation. In general, gastrointestinal side effects tend to diminish with continued therapy. If gastrointestinal side effects are significant, dosage reduction, even if temporary, may be beneficial.

Gastrointestinal side effects include constipation (10 to 28%), heartburn (17%), abdominal discomfort (11%), nausea (9%), belching, flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea. Peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and anorexia have been reported rarely.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects include a single report of prolonged prothrombin time responsive to vitamin K supplementation.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects include transient elevations in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects include headache, dizziness, and, very rarely, anxiety, vertigo, and drowsiness.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included urticaria and dermatitis.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects include rare reports of muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritis.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects include increases in serum phosphorus and chloride and decreases in serum sodium and potassium. Colestipol (the active ingredient contained in Colestid) has been reported to decrease the absorption of thyroxine (T4).

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