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Colestipol Hydrochloride

1 g · Tablet, Film Coated

  • Prescription only
  • Bile Acid Sequestrant
Active substance
Colestipol Hydrochloride
Made by
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Quoted from the official source. Not yet reviewed by Mediclarum — the leaflet in your pack is authoritative.

At a glance

Quoted from the official label · 2025-09-12

What it is

Bile Acid Sequestrant

Used for
  • Since no drug is innocuous, strict attention should be paid to the indications and contraindications, particularly when selecting drugs for chronic long-term use.
Do not take it if

Colestipol hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of their components.

All warnings ↓
Good to know
  • Prescription only
  • FDA enforcement reports list no ongoing recall, and none from the last two years, for this product code · checked 2026-10-02
12other products contain Colestipol Hydrochloride — compare makers, forms and strengths

Every line above is selected, not written, from the official label. Nothing is reworded. DailyMed

What it is for

LDL-Cholesterol mg/dL (mmol/L) Definite Atherosclerotic Disease * Two or More Other Risk Factor † Initiation Level Goal No No ≥190 <160 (≥4.9) (<4.1) No Yes ≥160 <130 (≥4.1) (<3.4) Yes Yes or No ≥130 ≤100 (≥3.4) (≤2.6) * Coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (including symptomatic carotid artery disease). † Other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) include:

  • 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 tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and LDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL-C) who do not respond adequately to diet.
  • Generally, colestipol hydrochloride tablets have no clinically significant effect on serum triglycerides, but with their 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.
  • age (males:
  • ≥45 years; female:
  • ≥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).

From the official label · 2025-09-12 · DailyMed

How it works

From this product’s own US prescribing label.

Cholesterol is the major, and probably the sole precursor of bile acids.

During normal digestion, bile acids are secreted via the bile from the liver and gall bladder into the intestines.

How it leaves the body

Colestipol hydrochloride binds bile acids in the intestine forming a complex that is excreted in the feces.

With food

Bile acids emulsify the fat and lipid materials present in food, thus facilitating absorption.

Quoted from the prescribing label, sections “Mechanism of Action” and “Pharmacokinetics”. DailyMed · 2025-09-12

Do not take it if

Colestipol hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of their components.

Quoted from the official label, section “Contraindications”.

How to take it

These directions are for this exact strength and form. Another one is different.

  • For
  • adults, colestipol hydrochloride tablets are recommended in doses of 2 to 16 grams/day given once or in divided doses.
  • The starting dose should be 2 grams once or twice daily.
  • Dosage increases of 2 grams, once or twice daily should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals.
  • Appropriate use of lipid profiles as per NCEP guidelines including LDL-C and triglycerides, is advised so that optimal but not excessive doses are used to obtain the desired therapeutic effect on LDL-C level.
  • If the desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at a dose of 2 to 16 grams/day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.
  • Colestipol hydrochloride tablets must be taken one at a time and be promptly swallowed whole, using plenty of water or other appropriate liquid.
  • Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets.
  • Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after colestipol hydrochloride tablets to minimize possible interference with their absorption.
  • (See DRUG INTERACTIONS .) Before Administration of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets 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-C and triglyceride levels.
  • During Administration of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets 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 long-term response. 2.
  • Failure of total or LDL-C 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.

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage & Administration”.

Other warnings

  • 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 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 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.
  • 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.

Quoted from the official label, section “Warnings”.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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.

Quoted from the official label, section “OTC — Pregnancy or Breast Feeding”.

Other medicines

  • 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.

Quoted from the official label, section “Drug Interactions”.

If you take too much

In an emergency, call your local emergency number or a poison control centre.

  • Overdosage of colestipol hydrochloride tablets 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.

Quoted from the official label, section “Overdosage”.

Use in children

Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.

Quoted from the official label, section “Pediatric Use”.

Side effects

  • 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 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-855-204-1431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Quoted from the official label, section “Adverse Reactions”.

What to discuss with your doctor

  • 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: 1.
  • Always take one tablet at a time and swallow promptly. 2.
  • Swallow each tablet whole.
  • Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. 3.
  • 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.

Quoted from the official label, section “Patient Counseling Information”.

What it looks like and how it is packed

  • Colestipol hydrochloride tablets USP, 1 gram are yellow, film-coated, elliptical tablets, debossed with “S” on one side and plain on the other.
  • They are supplied as follows:
  • Bottles of 120 NDC 62559-395-12 Each tablet contains 1 gram of micronized colestipol hydrochloride USP.
  • Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
  • Protect from moisture.

Quoted from the official label, section “How Supplied”.

What is in it

  • The active ingredient in colestipol hydrochloride tablets USP is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use.
  • Colestipol 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.
  • Each colestipol hydrochloride tablet USP contains one gram of micronized colestipol hydrochloride.
  • Colestipol hydrochloride tablets are yellow in color and are tasteless and odorless.
  • Inactive ingredients:
  • acetone, cellulose acetate phthalate, ethanol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, povidone, silicon dioxide and triacetin.

Quoted from the official label, section “Description”.

Ingredients people check for

Lactose, gluten, dyes, sugars and other ingredients that matter with an allergy, intolerance or diet — as this product’s FDA label lists them.

  • Alcohol (ethanol)ethanolMatters for children, in pregnancy, in recovery and with some medicines.

Quoted from the FDA label. A label that does not name an ingredient is not a guarantee that the product is free of it, and formulations change. With an allergy, check the pack and ask a pharmacist.

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Details

Made byANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Active substanceColestipol Hydrochloride
Used inDigestion, stomach, diabetes and nutrition
Strength1 g
FormTablet, Film Coated
RouteOral
Packs120 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE
NDC62559-395

Source: NDC Directory · 2026-09-13 · not reviewed by a clinician

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, NDC Directory. Reuse terms: US government work (FDA).

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Other strengths and forms

11 products are sold under this name. Grouped by form; a number on a strength means several companies make it.

Same active substance

These contain the same substance. That does not mean one can replace another — ask a pharmacist.

Colestid5 g/5gPrescription onlyGranule, for Suspension Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC · Colestipol HydrochlorideColestid1 gPrescription onlyTablet Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC · Colestipol HydrochlorideColestipol Hydrochloride1 gPrescription onlyTablet, Film Coated Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC · Colestipol HydrochlorideColestipol Hydrochloride5 gPrescription onlySuspension Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC · Colestipol HydrochlorideColestipol Hydrochloride1 gPrescription onlyTablet Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. · Colestipol HydrochlorideColestipol Hydrochloride1 gPrescription onlyTablet, Film Coated Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC · Colestipol Hydrochloride

See every product with Colestipol Hydrochloride