Colestid

Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant used together with proper diet to treat hypercholesterolemia, and prevent atherosclerosis. This drug works by attaching to food substances in the intestine and prevent them from being absorbed resulting to their direct excretion into the feces. This drug requires a prescription. 

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.  

This drug does not cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults when taken in effective doses. Patients over 60 years of age are more likely to have side effects due to increased sensitive to the effects of colestipol.

This drug is contraindicate to children 2 years and below. Adverse effects have been noted in animal studies but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animas regarding these effects. This drug may alter milk production or composition in breastfeeding women. Monitor your infant for side effects and adequate milk intake if alternatives for this drug are not prescribed.

Consult your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Deferasirox, Mycophenolate, Mofetil, Mycophenolic Acid, Aceclofenac, Amiodarone, Anisindione, Cephalexin, Cerivastatin, Diclofenac, Dicumarol, Digitoxin, Digoxin, Ezetimibe, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Levothyroxine, Meloxicam, Metronidazole, Phenprocoumon, Propranolol, Valproic Acid, and Warfarin Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with cholic acid is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems especially bleeding problems, constipation, gallstones, heart or blood vessel disease, haemorrhoids, stomach ulcer or other stomach problems, and underactive thyroid. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking this drug with current problems such as kidney disease, and phenylketonuria. 

This drug must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Additional or prolonged doses could increase the chance of side effects. To prevent any choking hazard, this drug should never be taken in its dry form and should always be thoroughly mixed in 2 ounces of any beverage. If the drug does not dissolve, add 2 to 4 ounces of beverage before drinking.

This drug can also be taken with milk in hot or regular breakfast cereals, or in thin soups such as tomato or chicken noodle soup. Or it can be added to some pulpy fruits such as crushed pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail. A diet low in fats, sugars, and/or cholesterol is suggested for patients before taking this drug for high cholesterol. Proper diet and exercise are essential to control hypercholesterolemia.

This drug is only prescribed the aforementioned are inadequate in controlling your condition. This drug works optimally only under the special lifestyle and diet modification given by your healthcare provider.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

Adults and children with high cholesterol are prescribed with oral suspension of 15 to 30 grams taken in four divided doses per day before meals. The dosage may be increased to 8 to 24 grams a day divided into two to six doses for adults or two or more for children.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Regular visits and laboratory tests should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any other drugs since colestipol may change the effect of other drugs. Also, consult with your healthcare professional before you stop taking this drug. A special diet will be suggested to you by your healthcare provider to prevent any lapses in the control of your cholesterol level.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Inform you healthcare provider immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects may eventually disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.