Colestipol hydrochloride granules for oral suspension 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. Colestipol hydrochloride granules are tasteless and odorless. Inactive ingredient: silicon dioxide. One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of colestipol hydrochloride granules contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride.

What kind of drug is colestipol?

The FDA classifies colestipol as a bile acid sequestrant. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take colestipol with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run colestipol against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is colestipol sold under?

We track 3 colestipol-containing products in the U.S.: Colestipol Hydrochloride, Colestid and Flavored Colestid. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does colestipol come in?

Across the brands we track, colestipol is currently marketed as powder, suspension and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic colestipol?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic colestipol product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Colestipol: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant sold in the U.S. under 3 brand and generic names, for coronary artery disease, diarrhea and pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Bile Acid Sequestrant
Treats: Coronary Artery Disease, Diarrhea and Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis
Available as: Powder · Suspension · Tablet
Sold as: 3 products — Colestipol Hydrochloride, Colestid and Flavored Colestid
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $20 for a 30-count supply

How colestipol is dosed

From the FDA label for Colestid (application NDA017563). Other colestipol products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of colestipol hydrochloride granules 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, colestipol hydrochloride granules should not be taken in its dry form. Colestipol hydrochloride granules 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 colestipol hydrochloride granules to minimize possible interference with their absorption. (See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions .) Before Colestipol Hydrochloride Granules Administration 1. Define the type of hyperlipoproteinemia, as described in NCEP guidelines. 2. Institute a trial of diet and weight reduction. 3.…

Colestipol side effects

Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve minimal GI disturbance with an optimal LDL-cholesterol lowering effect, a gradual increase of dosage starting with one dose/day 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. 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 non-gastrointestinal…

Every colestipol product we track (3)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Colestipol products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Colestipol Hydrochloride	58/100	Prescription	Suspension	Generic	$20	View →
2	Colestid	56/100	Prescription	Suspension	Generic

What colestipol pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Colestipol pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
G	1 g	yellow	oval	—
I	1 g	yellow	oval	—
G	1 g	yellow	oval	—
S	1 g	yellow	oval	—
5	1 g	yellow	oval	—

Frequently asked questions

What is colestipol?: Colestipol hydrochloride granules for oral suspension 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. Colestipol hydrochloride granules are tasteless and odorless. Inactive ingredient: silicon dioxide. One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of colestipol hydrochloride granules contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride.
What kind of drug is colestipol?: The FDA classifies colestipol as a bile acid sequestrant. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take colestipol with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run colestipol against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is colestipol sold under?: We track 3 colestipol-containing products in the U.S.: Colestipol Hydrochloride, Colestid and Flavored Colestid. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does colestipol come in?: Across the brands we track, colestipol is currently marketed as powder, suspension and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic colestipol?

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.

Colestipol 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 granules resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication. The interval between the administration of colestipol hydrochloride granules 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 granules 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 effect 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 granules is either added or deleted from a therapeutic regimen. Studies in…