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flavored colestid

Pharmaranks rates Flavored Colestid 3.2/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Flavored Colestid (Colestipol Hydrochloride) is a bile acid sequestrant used to treat Coronary Artery Disease, Diarrhea, Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis, Hypercholesterolemia.

Colestipol Hydrochloride · by Pfizer

Available as a generic: Colestipol Hydrochloride

64/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 21, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass
Lower-cost optionsSave up to 58%
This medication~$20.09/30
Cheapest in class · colesevelam hydrochloride~$8.45/30
See FDA-approved alternatives

Key facts

Active ingredient
Colestipol Hydrochloride
Form
Powder
Strength
Colestipol Hydrochloride 5GM/PACKET · Colestipol Hydrochloride 5GM/SCOOPFUL
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Pfizer
What the pharmacy pays
~$20.09 for 30 — not your price
FDA application
NDA017563

What is Flavored Colestid?

From the FDA label: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.

How to use

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…

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…

Warnings

Important safety information

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.

Who should not take Flavored Colestid

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

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Overdosage of COLESTID Granules or FLAVORED COLESTID Granules has not been reported. Should overdosage occur, however, the chief potential harm would be obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The location of such potential obstruction, the degree of obstruction and the presence or absence of normal gut motility would determine treatment.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

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, COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication. The interval between the administration of COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID and any other medication should be as long as possible. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after COLESTID and FLAVORED COLESTID 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 COLESTID or FLAVORED COLESTID 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.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Powder

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

What does Flavored Colestid treat?
Flavored Colestid (Colestipol Hydrochloride) may be used to treat coronary artery disease, diarrhea, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemias, hypertriglyceridemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How is Flavored Colestid rated?
pharmaranks gives Flavored Colestid a composite score of 3.2 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Flavored Colestid cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $20.09 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Colesevelam Hydrochloride — about $8.45 on the same basis.
Is there a coupon or discount for Flavored Colestid?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Flavored Colestid. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Flavored Colestid?
Flavored Colestid is marketed by Pfizer. You can see Pfizer's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Flavored Colestid a brand-name or generic drug?
Flavored Colestid is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Colestipol Hydrochloride. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Colestipol Hydrochloride are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Flavored Colestid available over the counter?
No. Flavored Colestid is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Flavored Colestid come in?
Flavored Colestid is currently marketed as powder, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Flavored Colestid?
Flavored Colestid is classified as bile acid sequestrant, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Flavored Colestid FDA-registered?
Flavored Colestid is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA017563. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Flavored Colestid been recalled by the FDA?
Flavored Colestid has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Flavored Colestid safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Flavored Colestid a recall-safety score of 64/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Flavored Colestid?
Flavored Colestid's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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flavored colestid

64/100