Readers ask: When to take colestipol?

What is the best time to take colestipol?

Take colestipol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Unless otherwise instructed, take all other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol because it can interfere with their absorption.

Should colestipol be taken with food?

Do not take colestipol granules without mixing them with water, other liquid, or food. Taking the granules dry could cause you to accidentally inhale or choke on the granules. Use only the dosing scoop that comes with your supply of colestipol granules.

How long does it take for colestipol to start working?

It may take 2 weeks to several months of using this medicine before your cholesterol levels improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Colestipol is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control.

Is colestipol used to treat diarrhea?

Other less common uses include treatment of diarrhea due to increased intestinal bile acids after some types of intestinal surgery and treatment of itching associated with partial obstruction to the flow of bile due to liver disease. The itching is believed to be due to the accumulation of bile acids in the body.

What vitamins should be taken with colestipol?

colestipol cholecalciferol

You should generally take supplements containing vitamin D at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colestipol. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

What happens when you stop taking colestipol?

When you stop taking colestipol, your blood cholesterol levels may increase again. Your doctor may want you to follow a special diet to help prevent this from happening. Do not take any other medicine unless prescribed by your doctor since colestipol may interfere with other medicines.

Is colestipol bad for your liver?

Because colestipol can interfere with the absorption of other medications or vitamins, it may indirectly worsen liver disease by lowering effective levels of medications.

What are the side effects of colestipol?

Constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise.

How much colestipol is safe?

Adults—15 to 30 grams a day. This is divided into two to four doses and taken before meals. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How do you know if you have bile acid malabsorption?

Normal enterohepatic circulation of bile acids

Excess bile acids entering the colon can cause the classic signs and symptoms of bile acid malabsorption (BAM), including watery stool, urgency and fecal incontinence.

Can colestipol cause insomnia?

Headache, migraine headache, and sinus headache have been reported. Other infrequently reported complaints include dizziness, light-headedness, and insomnia.

What is bile acid diarrhea?

Bile acid diarrhea (BAD) is a condition in which bile acids are not properly processed within the digestive system, resulting in symptoms of chronic diarrhea. This condition can also be known as bile acid malabsorption (BAM).

How do you treat bile acid diarrhea?

The main treatments for bile acid diarrhoea are a low-fat diet and taking a medicine called a bile acid binder. A low-fat diet helps to reduce the symptoms of bile acid diarrhoea. Medicines that bind to bile acids in your gut (bowel) are usually very effective.