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.

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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Colestipol:

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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Colestipol Granules:

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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

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Colestipol Side Effects - for the Professional

Colestipol

Gastrointestinal

The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve minimal GI disturbance with an optimal LDL-C lowering effect, a gradual increase of dosage starting with 2 grams, once or twice daily is recommended. Constipation is the major single complaint and at times is severe. Most instances of constipation are mild, transient, and controlled with standard treatment. Increased fluid intake and inclusion of additional dietary fiber should be the first step; a stool softener may be added if needed. Some patients require decreased dosage or discontinuation of therapy. Hemorrhoids may be aggravated.

Other, less frequent gastrointestinal complaints consist of abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain and cramping), intestinal gas (bloating and flatulence), indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea and loose stools, and nausea and vomiting. Bleeding hemorrhoids and blood in the stool have been infrequently reported. Peptic ulceration, cholecystitis, and cholelithiasis have been rarely reported in patients receiving Colestipol hydrochloride granules, and are not necessarily drug related.

Difficulty swallowing and transient esophageal obstruction have been rarely reported in patients taking micronized Colestipol hydrochloride tablets.

Transient and modest elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase were observed on one or more occasions in various patients treated with Colestipol hydrochloride.

The following nongastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported with generally equal frequency in patients receiving micronized Colestipol hydrochloride tablets, Colestipol granules, or placebo in clinical studies:

Cardiovascular

Chest pain, angina, and tachycardia have been infrequently reported.

Hypersensitivity

Rash has been infrequently reported. Urticaria and dermatitis have been rarely noted in patients receiving Colestipol hydrochloride granules.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain, aches and pains in the extremities, joint pain and arthritis, and backache have been reported.

Neurologic

Headache, migraine headache, and sinus headache have been reported. Other infrequently reported complaints include dizziness, light-headedness, and insomnia.

Miscellaneous

Anorexia, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet, have been infrequently reported.

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Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

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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