Colestipol

Indications

Colestipol is used for: Hyperlipidaemia

Adult Dose

Oral Hyperlipidaemias Adult: As tab: Initially, 2 g 1-2 times daily, increase by 2 g 1-2 times daily at 1-2 mth intervals. Maintenance: 2-16 g daily in 1 or divided doses. As granules for susp: Initially, 5 g 1-2 times daily, increased in 5-g increments at intervals of 1 mth. Max: 30 g daily in 1-2 divided doses.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Mix dry form in water/fluids to avoid inhalation or esophageal distress Mix granules in fluids or food; take before meals Do not crush, chew, or cut tablets Take 1 tablet at a time; swallow with water or other fluids

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to colestipol Bowel obstruction

Precautions

Patient w/ complete biliary obstruction, GI dysfunction (e.g. constipation), phenylketonuria, limited thyroid reserve. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Determine serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations prior to and regularly during therapy.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: use caution; may interfere with vitamin absorption in infants

Interactions

May interfere w/ absorption of folic acid, oral phosphate supplements, and fats, preventing absorption of fat-soluble vit. Decreased absorption of tetracycline, penicillin G, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide or gemfibrozil. May bind digoxin in the GI tract and impair its absorption. Decreased and/or delayed GI absorption of propranolol. May decrease serum concentration of mycophenolic acid.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Colestipol : >10% Gastrointestinal (mostly) Constipation 1-10% Stomach pain Belching Nausea/vomiting Flatulance Diarrhea Dizziness Anxiety Vertigo Fatigue Drowsiness Frequency Not Defined Heartburn Steatorrhea Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins Gallstones Dysphagia GI bleeding Cholecystitis Peptic ulceration Transient esophageal obstruction

Mechanism of Action

Colestipol binds w/ bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in faeces, resulting in increased faecal loss of bile acid-bound LDL cholesterol.