Colestipol: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring

Reported adverse reactions

Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.

No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.

Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)

Since no drug is innocuous, strict attention should be paid to the indications and contraindications, particularly when selecting drugs for chronic long-term use. Colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated low density lipoproteins [LDL] cholesterol) who do not respond adequately to diet. Generally, colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension has no clinically significant effect on serum triglycerides, but with its use triglyceride levels may be raised in some patients. Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Treatment should begin and continue with dietary therapy (see NCEP guidelines). A minimum of six months of intensive dietary therapy and counseling should be carried out prior to initiation of drug therapy. Shorter periods may be considered in patients with severe elevations of LDL-C or with definite CHD. According to the…

Conditions associated with Colestipol in labeling