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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

COLESTIPOL: 634 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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634
Total FAERS Reports
2 (0.3%)
Deaths Reported
54
Hospitalizations
634
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
4
Life-Threatening
5
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Active Ingredient: COLESTIPOL HYDROCHLORIDE · Drug Class: Bile Acid Sequestrant [EPC] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · FDA Application: 017563 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 1987 · Latest Report: 20250401

What Are the Most Common COLESTIPOL Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Diarrhoea
97 reports (15.3%)
#2 Most Reported
Product physical issue
94 reports (14.8%)
#3 Most Reported
Off label use
94 reports (14.8%)

All COLESTIPOL Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Diarrhoea 97 15.3% 0 29
Off label use 94 14.8% 0 7
Product physical issue 94 14.8% 0 1
Drug ineffective 69 10.9% 0 15
Product use complaint 62 9.8% 0 0
Product use in unapproved indication 53 8.4% 0 3
Nausea 46 7.3% 0 26
Drug ineffective for unapproved indication 45 7.1% 0 2
Dysphagia 44 6.9% 0 2
Product size issue 44 6.9% 0 1
Malaise 37 5.8% 0 15
Constipation 36 5.7% 0 4
Poor quality product administered 36 5.7% 0 2
Choking 35 5.5% 0 2
Drug hypersensitivity 34 5.4% 0 12
Abdominal pain upper 32 5.1% 0 4
Vomiting 30 4.7% 0 15
Dyspnoea 29 4.6% 0 15
Flatulence 26 4.1% 0 11
Large intestinal ulcer 26 4.1% 0 10

Who Reports COLESTIPOL Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 72.8% female, 27.2% male. Average age: 66.7 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is COLESTIPOL Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2001 1 0 0
2004 1 0 1
2005 1 0 0
2007 1 0 0
2010 2 0 1
2012 2 0 0
2013 4 0 0
2014 13 0 2
2015 20 0 6
2016 20 1 1
2017 32 0 4
2018 45 0 0
2019 16 0 3
2020 17 0 6
2021 24 0 1
2022 12 0 1
2023 10 0 0
2024 9 0 2
2025 6 0 2

View full timeline →

What Is COLESTIPOL Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 121
Diarrhoea 112
Blood cholesterol increased 42
Irritable bowel syndrome 29
Bile acid malabsorption 19
Product use in unapproved indication 18
Crohn's disease 15
Blood cholesterol abnormal 14
Gastrointestinal disorder 11
Bowel movement irregularity 8

COLESTIPOL vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

COLESTIPOL vs COLISTIMETHATE COLESTIPOL vs COLISTIN COLESTIPOL vs COLLAGENASE CLOSTRIDIUM HISTOLYTICUM COLESTIPOL vs COLLAGENASE CLOSTRIDIUM HISTOLYTICUM-AAES COLESTIPOL vs COMBIVENT COLESTIPOL vs COMBIVIR COLESTIPOL vs COMETRIQ COLESTIPOL vs CONCERTA COLESTIPOL vs CONESTAT ALFA COLESTIPOL vs COPANLISIB

Other Drugs in Same Class: Bile Acid Sequestrant [EPC]

Official FDA Label for COLESTIPOL

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

DESCRIPTION COLESTID Granules and FLAVORED COLESTID Granules contain colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Colestipol hydrochloride is an insoluble, high molecular weight basic anion-exchange copolymer of diethylenetriamine and 1-chloro-2, 3-epoxypropane, with approximately 1 out of 5 amine nitrogens protonated (chloride form). It is a light yellow water-insoluble resin which is hygroscopic and swells when suspended in water or aqueous fluids. COLESTID is tasteless and odorless. Inactive ingredient: silicon dioxide. One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of COLESTID contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride. FLAVORED COLESTID is orange flavored and light orange in color. One dose (1 packet or 1 level scoopful) of FLAVORED COLESTID is approximately 7.5 grams powder which contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride. This product also contains the following inactive ingredients: aspartame, beta carotene, citric acid, flavor (natural and artificial), glycerine, maltol, mannitol, and methylcellulose.

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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 NCEP guidelines, the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, and LDL-C is to be used to initiate and assess treatment response. Only if LDL-C levels are not available, should the Total-C be used to monitor therapy. The NCEP treatment guidelines are shown below. LDL-Cholesterol mg/dL (mmol/L)

Definite Atherosclerotic

Disease* Two or More Other Risk Factors** Initiation Level Goal No No ≥ 190 (≥ 4.9) < 160 (< 4.1)

No

Yes ≥ 160 (≥ 4.1) < 130 (< 3.4)

Yes

Yes or No ≥ 130 (≥ 3.4) ≤ 100 (≤ 2.6) * Coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (including symptomatic carotid artery disease). ** Other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) include: age (males: ≥ 45 years; females: ≥ 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy); family history of premature CHD; current cigarette smoking; hypertension; confirmed HDL-C < 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L); and diabetes mellitus. Subtract one risk factor if HDL-C is ≥ 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L).

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of COLESTID Granules contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride. One dose (1 packet or 1 level scoopful) of FLAVORED COLESTID Granules is approximately 7.5 grams powder which contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride. The recommended daily adult dose is one to six packets or level scoopfuls given once or in divided doses. Treatment should be started with one dose once or twice daily with an increment of one dose/day at one- or two-month intervals. Appropriate use of lipid profiles as per NCEP guidelines including LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides is advised so that optimal, but not excessive doses are used to obtain the desired therapeutic effect on LDL-cholesterol level. If the desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at one to six doses/day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered. To avoid accidental inhalation or esophageal distress, COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID should not be taken in its dry form. COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID should always be mixed with water or other fluids before ingesting. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID to minimize possible interference with their absorption. (See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions .) Before COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID Administration 1. Define the type of hyperlipoproteinemia, as described in NCEP guidelines. 2. Institute a trial of diet and weight reduction. 3. Establish baseline serum total and LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. During COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID Administration 1. The patient should be carefully monitored clinically, including serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Periodic determinations of serum cholesterol levels as outlined in the NCEP guidelines should be done to confirm a favorable initial and longer-term response. 2. Failure of total or LDL-cholesterol to fall within the desired range should lead one to first examine dietary and drug compliance. If these are deemed acceptable, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered. 3. Significant rise in triglyceride level should be considered as indication for dose reduction, drug discontinuation, or combined or alternate therapy. Mixing and Administration Guide COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID should always be mixed in a liquid such as water or the beverage of your choice. It may also be taken in soups or with cereals or pulpy fruits. COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID should never be taken in its dry form. FLAVORED COLESTID is an orange-flavored product. Although it may be mixed with a variety of liquids or foods, the selection should be based on patient preference.

With Beverages

1. Add the prescribed amount of COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID to a glassful (three ounces or more) of water or the beverage of your choice. A heavy or pulpy juice may minimize complaints relative to consistency. 2. Stir the mixture until the medication is completely mixed. (COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID will not dissolve in the liquid.) COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID may also be mixed with carbonated beverages, slowly stirred in a large glass; however, this mixture may be associated with GI complaints. Rinse the glass with a small amount of additional beverage to make sure all the medication is taken. With cereals, soups, and fruits COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID may be taken mixed with milk in hot or regular breakfast cereals, or even mixed in soups that have a high fluid content. It may also be added to fruits that are pulpy such as crushed pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS COLESTID Granules and FLAVORED COLESTID Granules are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Known Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve minimal GI disturbance with an optimal LDL-C lowering effect, a gradual increase of dosage starting with 2 grams, once or twice daily is recommended. Constipation is the major single complaint and at times is severe. Most instances of constipation are mild, transient, and controlled with standard treatment. Increased fluid intake and inclusion of additional dietary fiber should be the first step; a stool softener may be added if needed. Some patients require decreased dosage or discontinuation of therapy. Hemorrhoids may be aggravated. Other, less frequent gastrointestinal complaints consist of abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain and cramping), intestinal gas (bloating and flatulence), indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea and loose stools, and nausea and vomiting. Bleeding hemorrhoids and blood in the stool have been infrequently reported. Peptic ulceration, cholecystitis, and cholelithiasis have been rarely reported in patients receiving colestipol hydrochloride granules, and are not necessarily drug related. Difficulty swallowing and transient esophageal obstruction have been rarely reported in patients taking Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets. Transient and modest elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase were observed on one or more occasions in various patients treated with colestipol hydrochloride. The following nongastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported with generally equal frequency in patients receiving Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets, colestipol granules, or placebo in clinical studies: Cardiovascular Chest pain, angina, and tachycardia have been infrequently reported.

Hypersensitivity

Rash has been infrequently reported. Urticaria and dermatitis have been rarely noted in patients receiving colestipol hydrochloride granules.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain, aches and pains in the extremities, joint pain and arthritis, and backache have been reported.

Neurologic

Headache, migraine headache, and sinus headache have been reported. Other infrequently reported complaints include dizziness, light-headedness, and insomnia.

Miscellaneous

Anorexia, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet, have been infrequently reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-748-1970 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

WARNINGS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INHALATION OR ESOPHAGEAL DISTRESS, COLESTID GRANULES AND FLAVORED COLESTID GRANULES SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IN ITS DRY FORM. ALWAYS MIX COLESTID AND FLAVORED COLESTID WITH WATER OR OTHER FLUIDS BEFORE INGESTING. PHENYLKETONURICS: FLAVORED COLESTID CONTAINS

18.2 MG PHENYLALANINE PER 7.5-GRAM DOSE.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS Prior to initiating therapy with colestipol hydrochloride tablets, secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism), should be excluded and a lipid profile performed to assess total cholesterol, HDL-C and triglycerides (TG). For individuals with TG less than 400 mg/dL (< 4.5 mmol/L), LDL-C can be estimated using the following equation: LDL-C = Total cholesterol – [(Triglycerides/5) + HDL-C] For TG levels > 400 mg/dL, this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation. In hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated Total-C. In such cases colestipol hydrochloride tablets may not be indicated. Because it sequesters bile acids, colestipol hydrochloride may interfere with normal fat absorption and, thus, may reduce absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and K. Chronic use of colestipol hydrochloride may be associated with an increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia from vitamin K deficiency. This will usually respond promptly to parenteral vitamin K 1 and recurrences can be prevented by oral administration of vitamin K 1 . Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be determined periodically based on NCEP guidelines to confirm a favorable initial and adequate long-term response. Colestipol hydrochloride tablets may produce or severely worsen pre-existing constipation. The dosage should be increased gradually in patients to minimize the risk of developing fecal impaction. In patients with pre-existing constipation, the starting dose should be 2 grams once or twice a day. Increased fluid and fiber intake should be encouraged to alleviate constipation and a stool softener may occasionally be indicated. If the initial dose is well tolerated, the dose may be increased as needed by a further 2 grams/day to 4 grams/day (at monthly intervals) with periodic monitoring of serum lipoproteins. If constipation worsens or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at 2 grams/day to 16 grams/day, combination therapy or alternate therapy should be considered. Particular effort should be made to avoid constipation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Constipation associated with colestipol hydrochloride tablets may aggravate hemorrhoids. While there have been no reports of hypothyroidism induced in individuals with normal thyroid function, the theoretical possibility exists, particularly in patients with limited thyroid reserve. Since colestipol hydrochloride is a chloride form of an anion exchange resin, there is a possibility that prolonged use may lead to the development of hyperchloremia acidosis. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility In studies conducted in rats in which cholestyramine resin (a bile acid sequestering agent similar to colestipol hydrochloride) was used as a tool to investigate the role of various intestinal factors, such as fat, bile salts and microbial flora, in the development of intestinal tumors induced by potent carcinogens, the incidence of such tumors was observed to be greater in cholestyramine resin treated rats than in control rats. The relevance of this laboratory observation from studies in rats with cholestyramine resin to the clinical use of colestipol hydrochloride tablets is not known. In the LRC-CPPT study referred to above, the total incidence of fatal and nonfatal neoplasms was similar in both treatment groups. When the many different categories of tumors are examined, various alimentary system cancers were somewhat more prevalent in the cholestyramine group. The small numbers and the multiple categories prevent conclusions from being drawn. Further follow-up of the LRC-CPPT participants by the sponsors of that study is planned for cause-specific mortality and cancer morbidity. When colestipol hydrochloride was administered in the diet to rats for 18 months, there was no evidence of any drug related intestinal tumor formation. In the Ames assay, colestipol hydrochloride was not mutagenic. Use in Pregnancy Since colestipol hydrochloride is essentially not absorbed systemically (less than 0.17% of the dose), it is not expected to cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy in recommended dosages. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and the known interference with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may be detrimental even in the presence of supplementation. The use of colestipol hydrochloride tablets in pregnancy or by women of childbearing potential requires that the potential benefits of drug therapy be weighed against possible hazards to the mother or child.

Nursing Mothers

Caution should be exercised when colestipol hydrochloride tablets are administered to a nursing mother. The possible lack of proper vitamin absorption described in the "Pregnancy" section may have an effect on nursing infants.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. Information for Patients Colestipol hydrochloride tablets may be larger than pills you have taken before. If you have had swallowing problems or choking with food, liquids or other tablets or capsules in the past, you should discuss this with your doctor before taking colestipol hydrochloride tablets. It is important that you take colestipol hydrochloride tablets correctly: Always take one tablet at a time and swallow promptly. Swallow each tablet whole. Do not cut, crush or chew the tablets. Colestipol hydrochloride tablets must be taken with water or another liquid that you prefer. Swallowing the tablets will be easier if you drink plenty of liquid as you swallow each tablet. Difficulty swallowing and temporary obstruction of the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach) have been rarely reported in patients taking colestipol hydrochloride tablets. If a tablet does get stuck after you swallow it, you may notice pressure or discomfort. If this happens to you, you should contact your doctor. Do not take colestipol hydrochloride tablets again without your doctor's advice. If you are taking other medications, you should take them at least one hour before or four hours after taking colestipol hydrochloride tablets.

Drug Interactions

Since colestipol hydrochloride is an anion exchange resin, it may have a strong affinity for anions other than the bile acids. In vitro studies have indicated that colestipol hydrochloride binds a number of drugs. Therefore, colestipol hydrochloride tablets may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication. The interval between the administration of colestipol hydrochloride tablets and any other medication should be as long as possible. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after colestipol hydrochloride tablets to avoid impeding their absorption. Repeated doses of colestipol hydrochloride given prior to a single dose of propranolol in human trials have been reported to decrease propranolol absorption. However, in a follow-up study in normal subjects, single-dose administration of colestipol hydrochloride and propranolol and twice-a-day administration for 5 days of both agents did not affect the extent of propranolol absorption, but had a small yet statistically significant effect on its rate of absorption; the time to reach maximum concentration was delayed approximately 30 minutes. Effects on the absorption of other beta-blockers have not been determined. Therefore, patients on propranolol should be observed when colestipol hydrochloride tablets are either added or deleted from a therapeutic regimen. Studies in humans show that the absorption of chlorothiazide as reflected in urinary excretion is markedly decreased even when administered one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. The absorption of tetracycline, furosemide, penicillin G, hydrochlorothiazide and gemfibrozil was significantly decreased when given simultaneously with colestipol hydrochloride; these drugs were not tested to determine the effect of administration one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. No depressant effect on blood levels in humans was noted when colestipol hydrochloride was administered with any of the following drugs: aspirin, clindamycin, clofibrate, methyldopa, nicotinic acid (niacin), tolbutamide, phenytoin or warfarin. Particular caution should be observed with digitalis preparations since there are conflicting results for the effect of colestipol hydrochloride on the availability of digoxin and digitoxin. The potential for binding of these drugs if given concomitantly is present. Discontinuing colestipol hydrochloride could pose a hazard to health if a potentially toxic drug that is significantly bound to the resin has been titrated to a maintenance level while the patient was taking colestipol hydrochloride. Bile acid binding resins may also interfere with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements and hydrocortisone. A study has shown that cholestyramine binds bile acids and reduces mycophenolic acid exposure. As colestipol also binds bile acids, colestipol may reduce mycophenolic acid exposure and potentially reduce efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Since colestipol hydrochloride is an anion exchange resin, it may have a strong affinity for anions other than the bile acids. In vitro studies have indicated that colestipol hydrochloride binds a number of drugs. Therefore, colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication. The interval between the administration of colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension and any other medication should be as long as possible. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension to avoid impeding their absorption. Repeated doses of colestipol hydrochloride given prior to a single-dose of propranolol in human trials have been reported to decrease propranolol absorption. However, in a follow-up study in normal subjects, single-dose administration of colestipol hydrochloride and propranolol and twice-a-day administration for 5 days of both agents did not affect the extent of propranolol absorption, but had a small yet statistically significant effect on its rate of absorption; the time to reach maximum concentration was delayed 30 minutes. Effects on the absorption of other beta-blockers have not been determined. Therefore, patients on propranolol should be observed when colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension is either added or deleted from a therapeutic regimen. Studies in humans show that the absorption of chlorothiazide as reflected in urinary excretion is markedly decreased even when administered one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. The absorption of tetracycline, furosemide, penicillin G, hydrochlorothiazide, and gemfibrozil was significantly decreased when given simultaneously with colestipol hydrochloride; these drugs were not tested to determine the effect of administration one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. No depressant effect on blood levels in humans was noted when colestipol hydrochloride was administered with any of the following drugs: aspirin, clindamycin, clofibrate, methyldopa, nicotinic acid (niacin), tolbutamide, phenytoin or warfarin. Particular caution should be observed with digitalis preparations since there are conflicting results for the effect of colestipol hydrochloride on the availability of digoxin and digitoxin. The potential for binding of these drugs if given concomitantly is present. Discontinuing colestipol hydrochloride could pose a hazard to health if a potentially toxic drug that is significantly bound to the resin has been titrated to a maintenance level while the patient was taking colestipol hydrochloride. Bile acid binding resins may also interfere with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements and hydrocortisone. A study has shown that cholestyramine binds bile acids and reduces mycophenolic acid exposure. As colestipol also binds bile acids, colestipol may reduce mycophenolic acid exposure and potentially reduce efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil.