Colestipol Side Effects

Brand Names: Colestid

Please note - some side effects for Colestipol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Colestipol - for the Consumer

Colestipol

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Colestipol:

Bloating; constipation; diarrhea; gas; heartburn; indigestion; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain or cramping; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the stools; chest pressure or discomfort; irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness; severe constipation; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Colestipol Granules

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Colestipol Granules:

Bloating; constipation; diarrhea; gas; heartburn; indigestion; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain or cramping; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the stools; chest pressure or discomfort; irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness; severe constipation; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Side Effects by Body System

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 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 has been reported to decrease the absorption of thyroxine (T4).

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