From the Guidelines
Colestipol hydrochloride (Cholestipol) commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects, with constipation, dyspepsia, and nausea being the most frequent complaints, as reported in the 2022 ACC expert consensus decision pathway 1. The most common side effects of Cholestipol include:
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea These side effects are primarily related to the gastrointestinal system, as Cholestipol is a bile acid sequestrant that works in the intestines and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. To minimize side effects, patients should take Cholestipol with plenty of water, gradually increase to the full dose, and separate it from other medications by at least 4 hours, as suggested by the 2022 ACC expert consensus decision pathway 1. Additionally, dietary adjustments like increasing fiber and fluid intake can help manage constipation. It is essential to note that Cholestipol can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and certain medications, potentially leading to vitamin deficiencies or reduced effectiveness of other drugs, as mentioned in the 2017 focused update of the 2016 ACC expert consensus decision pathway 1. Overall, most side effects of Cholestipol are mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. Constipation is the major single complaint and at times is severe Other, less frequent gastrointestinal complaints consist of abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain and cramping), intestinal gas (bloating and flatulence), indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea and loose stools, and nausea and vomiting.
The common side effects of Cholestipol (colestipol hydrochloride) are:
- Gastrointestinal side effects, including:
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain and cramping)
- Intestinal gas (bloating and flatulence)
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Diarrhea and loose stools
- Nausea and vomiting These side effects are reported in the drug label 2.
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Cholestipol
The common side effects of Cholestipol (colestipol hydrochloride) are primarily gastrointestinal in nature, as the drug is essentially unabsorbed 3. Some of the common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal-related adverse events 4
- Increased plasma triglyceride concentrations in some patients 3
- Binding with other concomitantly administered drugs, reducing their absorption or enterohepatic recirculation 3
Comparison with Other Treatments
Colestipol has been compared with other treatments, such as colestipol granules, and has been found to be equivalent in terms of efficacy and safety 4. However, the side effects of colestipol are not directly compared with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, in the provided studies [(5,6,7)].
Patient Tolerance and Preference
Colestipol is said to be more readily tolerated by patients than cholestyramine, leading to improved compliance 3. Additionally, patients who have experience with granule medication prior to treatment with colestipol prefer tablets over granules 4.