COLESTID (COLESTIPOL)

Colestid Description

While cholesterol has many functions in your body, including helping produce bile, converting sunshine to vitamin D, maintaining cell membranes, and even gets involved with the production of sex hormones, too much can cause a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. A simple blood test will tell your doctor if you are in danger of high cholesterol levels and will be required to take medication, such as Colestid. The active ingredient of Colestid is Colestipol, which is classed as a bile acid sequestrant drug.

Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels and Raise Good Cholesterol

When taken as directed by your doctor, Colestid will work to bind to bile acids in your intestine so they cannot be reabsorbed into your blood. The liver then notices that bile levels are low so it begins producing more to replace what was lost. As cholesterol is needed by your body to make bile, your liver sources it from your bloodstream and results in a decrease of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol which is considered the bad cholesterol. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol and taking Colestid can increase its level by 3-5%.

Conditions Treated by Colestid

Hypercholesterolemia or, more simply, high cholesterol has few symptoms unless it is extremely high or advanced. Risk factors for having hypercholesterolemia include poor eating habits, consuming a lot of red meat and full-fat dairy products, a lack of exercise, smoking, being a diabetic, and obesity.

Cholesterol and other substances can accumulate on the inside of your arteries and impede the blood flow to your heart and other areas of your body. Should your heart or brain become starved of the blood, oxygen, or nutrients they need to function properly, you could experience a heart attack or a stroke.

Before You Receive a Colestid Rx

Ask your doctor if there are any risks to taking Colestid while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Colestid is safe for you to take.

Colestid Proper Use

Until you know how Colestid will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that requires you to be clear headed. Drink lots of fluids and make sure you have enough fiber in your diet while taking Colestid as this can help prevent constipation. Keep Colestid out of children’s reach and never share any medications with others.

Possible Side Effects of Colestid

• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Gas