colestipol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

colestipol works by binding to bile acids in the intestine, which prevents them from being reabsorbed into the body. Bile acids are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, where they are released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. By binding to bile acids, colestipol reduces the amount of cholesterol that is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, which can help lower cholesterol levels. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

>10%: 

Constipation 

1-10%: 

Belching 

Flatulence 

Diarrhea 

Nausea/vomiting 

Fatigue 

Dizziness 

Vertigo 

Anxiety 

Drowsiness 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions for the medication carefully.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

colestipol should not be used in people hypersensitive to the drug itself. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Use the drug with caution during breastfeeding. As it may interact with the absorption of vitamins in infants. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

colestipol works by binding to bile acids in the small intestine, forming a complex that is too large to be reabsorbed. This complex is then eliminated in the feces. Bile acids are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and are necessary for the digestion of fats. colestipol’s binding to bile acids leads to an increased conversion of cholesterol to bile acids by the liver and a decrease in the amount of cholesterol available for reabsorption in the gut. This results in a decrease in the overall cholesterol levels in the body. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

colestipol pharmacodynamics involves binding to bile acids in the small intestine, forming a complex that is eliminated in the feces. Pharmacokinetics:  

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. The pharmacokinetics of colestipol can be described by the following parameters: 

Absorption 

Not absorbed, just stays in the GIT 

Distribution 

Not distributed into the bloodstream 

Metabolism 

Not metabolized 

Elimination and excretion 

The drug is excreted 100% in feces 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

colestipol is taken orally.  

The granules can be mixed with food or fluids.  

Do not crush or chew the tablet.  

Take one tablet at a time, with fluids or water. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: colestipol 

Pronounced: koe-LES-ti-pol 

Why do we use colestipol? 

colestipol is used to treat hyperlipidemia.