Where is Colestid used?
Colestid is used for lowering cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication is used along with a proper diet. In addition to proper diet, other lifestyle changes that might help this medication work well include losing weight if overweight, exercising, and stopping smoking.
This is in the class of medications known as bile acid sequestrant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved this treatment in the year 1977.
How does Colestid work?
Colestid works by binding to cholesterol and taking it away from the blood. A decrease in cholesterol may lessen the risk of a heart attack linked with atherosclerosis. It is the build-up of fat lining at the walls of the arteries leading to the heart. This also works by removing the bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower cholesterol levels.
How is Colestid taken?
The recommended dosage is based on your condition and response to it.
Colestid is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it. You should not take it more frequently than given by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole do not chew or break it. Follow your prescription carefully to avoid some complications.
This medication may reduce your absorption of other drugs. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking this medicine. Ask your doctor for more information or if you have any questions.
It might take 2 weeks to several months of using this medication before your cholesterol levels improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.
What are the possible side effects of Colestid?
Common side effects:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
Inform your doctor if you experience these rare but serious side effects:
- Severe constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Muscle or joint pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Rapid breathing
What are the precautions in taking Colestid?
- Before taking Colestid, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, current treatment, or medical history.
- Consult your doctor first if you are breastfeeding women, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. This should only be used when needed by pregnant women.
- Stop taking this medication and call your doctor right away if you get pregnant.
- Call your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the medicine, or if it feels like it gets stuck in your esophagus after you swallow it.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine especially constipation.
- If you forget a dose, call your doctor. Do not take two doses to make up for your missed dose.
- Keep this medicine far from heat, moisture, and reach of children.
