Colestipol

COLESTID

Pronunciation: koe-LES-ti-poel

What it isBile acid sequestrant; hyperlipidemia and bile acid diarrhea.

Why this oneNot absorbed, so it is usable in pregnancy, and the tablet form is more palatable than cholestyramine powder.

What limits itBinds other drugs in the gut — separate all other dosing. Constipation; it raises triglycerides.

Colestipol prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Lipid-lowering meds (1955–2026). Colestipol enters in 1977 (estimated).

Principal riskBinds other drugs in the gut; constipation

Therapeutic safety burden0 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk0 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Primary hyperlipidemia	Adults	2 g QD or BID	2–16 g/day (QD or divided)	16 g/day

Titration Increase by 2 g (QD or BID) at 1- or 2-month intervals

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Available strengths

Constipation is the major complaint and may be severe; may aggravate hemorrhoids
Rare esophageal obstruction with tablets
May interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and concomitant drugs

Pregnancy Not systemically absorbed (<0.17%); may interfere with fat-soluble vitamin absorption; weigh benefit vs risk

Lactation Undefined

Colestipol (COLESTID)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26

Strength		#/mo	generic $	CostPlus
1000 mg	tab	30 qd	$19.74/mo	offered
5 g/scoopful	granules	per unit		not offered

Generic entry2006