Colestipol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024.

Applies to colestipol: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of colestipol

Along with its needed effects, colestipol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking colestipol:

Rare

• black, tarry stools
• stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting
• loss of weight (sudden)

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking colestipol:

More common

• constipation

Other side effects of colestipol

Some side effects of colestipol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• belching
• bloating
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to colestipol: oral granule for reconstitution, oral tablet.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were gastrointestinal in nature and included constipation, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort
• Common (1% to 10%): Hematochezia, hemorrhoid hemorrhage, abdominal distention, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Belching, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids
• Frequency not reported: Indigestion^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, dermatitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Migraine, sinus headache, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Drowsiness
• Frequency not reported: Light-headedness

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angina pectoris, tachycardia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, peripheral edema, asthenia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Vertigo
• Frequency not reported: Serum phosphorus increased, serum chloride increased, serum sodium decreased, serum potassium decreased, weakness^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, ALT increased, AST increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthritis, arthralgia, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, pain in extremity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appetite decreased
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Anxiety^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Shortness of breath^[Ref]

Further information

Colestipol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer