General Information
Colestid Tablet is indicated for lowering the cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication is used along with a proper diet. In addition to a proper diet like a low-fat diet, other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include losing weight if overweight, exercising, and stopping smoking.
How does Colestid Tablet work?
Colestid Tablet works by binding to cholesterol and taking it away from the blood. A decrease in cholesterol may lessen the risk of a heart attack associated with atherosclerosis. It is the build-up of fat lining at the walls of the arteries leading to the heart. This also works by removing the bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels.
Why use Colestid Tablet?
Colestid Tablet belongs to the class of medications known as bile acid sequestrant. This medication has an active ingredient called micronized colestipol hydrochloride. It is a lipid-lowering agent for oral use. Each tablet of Colestid contains one gram of micronized colestipol hydrochloride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved this treatment in the year 1977.
How to use Colestid Tablet?
The recommended dosage is based on your condition and response to it.
Colestid Tablet is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it. You should not take it more frequently than given by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole do not chew or break it. Follow your prescription carefully to avoid some complications.
What are the side-effects of Colestid Tablet?
Common side effects of Colestid Tablet include:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Rectal irritation
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Vomiting
Inform your doctor if you experience these rare but serious side effects:
- Severe constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Muscle or joint pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Rapid breathing
Warnings and Precautions
- Before taking Colestid Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, current treatment or medical history.
- Consult your doctor first if you are breastfeeding women, pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the near future.
- Keep this medicine far from heat, moisture, and reach of children.