Colestipol is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Colestipol lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Lowering high cholesterol levels is an important part of preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Colestipol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not take colestipol granules without mixing them with water or another liquid. Taking the granules dry could cause you to accidentally inhale or choke on the granules.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew, or break colestipol tablet. Swallow it whole. Swallow only one tablet at a time.

Take the tablet with a full glass of water.

Call your doctor if you have have trouble swallowing the tablet, or if it feels like it gets stuck in your esophagus after you swallow it.

Dissolve the colestipol granules in a small amount of water, milk, broth soup, applesauce, hot or cold cereal, or crushed fruit (such as pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail). Stir this mixture and drink or eat all of it right away. Swallow the mixture without chewing or holding it in your mouth. Colestipol can damage your teeth if left in contact with them for too long.

Do not take colestipol granules without mixing them with water, other liquid, or food. Taking the granules dry could cause you to accidentally inhale or choke on the granules.

Use only the dosing scoop that comes with your supply of colestipol granules. Do not keep it for later use. The scoop may not be the right size for use with a different brand of colestipol granules.

While using colestipol, you may need frequent blood tests.

It may take 2 weeks to several months of using this medicine before your cholesterol levels improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.

Colestipol is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia:

Tablets:
-Initial dose: 2 g orally once or twice a day
-Maintenance dose: 2 to 16 g once a day or in divided doses

Comments:
-Dose increases of 2 g once or twice a day should occur at 1 to 2 month intervals.
-If desired therapeutic effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is not obtained at a dose of 2 to 16 g per day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.

Granules:
-Initial dose: 5 g (1 packet or 1 level scoop) orally once or twice a day
-Maintenance dose: 5 to 30 g (1 to 6 packets or level scoops) orally once a day or in divided doses

Comments:
-Incremental dose increases should occur at a rate of 1 dose per day at 1 to 2 month intervals.
-If desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at 1 to 6 doses per day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.

Use: For use as adjunctive treatment to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL) who do not respond adequately to diet

You should not take colestipol if you are allergic to it.

To make sure colestipol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• trouble swallowing;

• constipation or hemorrhoids;

• blockage in your intestines;

• a stomach or digestive disorder;

• liver disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• a bleeding disorder;

• a history of major stomach or bowel surgery; or

• if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.

Colestipol is not expected to harm an unborn baby when taken at recommended doses. However, taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that are needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking colestipol.

Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not take colestipol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some forms of colestipol may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using colestipol if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Colestipol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. You can also visit the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) website for additional dietary information at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.pdf.

Avoid taking other medicines at the same time you take colestipol. Taking colestipol can make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs, making them less effective. Take your other medicines at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol.

Avoid constipation by drinking 8 to 12 full glasses (8 ounces each) every day while taking colestipol. Ask your doctor before using a laxative or stool softener.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Colestipol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• trouble swallowing;

• severe constipation or stomach pain; or

• black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Common side effects of colestipol may include:

• constipation; or

• hemorrhoids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with colestipol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to colestipol.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.