Products
Colestipol is commercially available as granules (Colestid). It has been approved in many countries since 1978.
Structure and properties
Colestipol is present in drugs as colestipol hydrochloride. It is a basic, high-molecular-weight anion-exchange resin.
Effects
Colestipol (ATC C10AC02) has lipid-lowering (LDL) properties by binding bile acids in the intestine and delivering them to excretion. It is not digested or absorbed. HDL levels remain unaffected.
Indications
Colestipol is approved for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL levels).
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Colestipol, as an anion-exchange resin, may also delay or decrease the absorption of numerous drugs and vitamins, especially anions. It should therefore be taken as far apart in time as possible from other medications.
Adverse effects
Very often, in up to half of patients, constipation occurs as an adverse effect. Other digestive symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, belching, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea occur occasionally. Swelling of the hands and feet, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath are also occasionally possible. Colestipol may inhibit the absorption of vitamins. Hyperchloremic acidosis and hypercalcemia have been reported in rare cases.
