How does it work?

Colestipol hydrochloride is not absorbed into the blood stream, but acts in the intestine, where it absorbs bile acids. Bile is a substance which is produced by the liver and released into the intestines. Bile contains chemicals called bile acids, which the liver makes from cholesterol in the blood. Bile acids aid digestion of fats consumed in the diet. Normally these bile acids are reabsorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream following digestion. Colestipol prevents this reabsorption of bile acids into the bloodstream by combining with them in the intestine, allowing them to be excreted in the faeces. Hence, the levels of bile acids in the blood are reduced. This triggers the liver to produce more bile acids from cholesterol in the blood, therefore reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, and reducing its level reduces the risk of a heart attack. Thus colestipol is given to individuals with increased levels of cholesterol in the blood. Though cholesterol levels are reduced, colestipol does not correct the underlying cause of raised cholesterol levels. Therefore it is necessary to continue with diet and the medicine indefinitely. Stopping treatment usually leads to a return to high cholesterol levels.

What is it used for?

In combination with dietary measures, to treat high blood cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia) not responsive to diet alone

Warning!

This medicine may interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and K from the gut. Supplements of these vitamins may be required during prolonged high dose treatment. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be taken in its dry form. Mix with water before taking.

Use with caution in

A syndrome caused by kidney inflammation, characterised by a large amount of protein in the urine, swelling, weight gain and high blood pressure (nephrotic syndrome)

Abnormality in plasma proteins, usually in immunoglobulins (dysproteinaemia)

Children

Diabetes mellitus

Hypothyroidism

Obstructive liver disease

People over 65 years of age

Significant rise in blood triglycerides during treatment

Not to be used in

Previous hypersensitivity to use of this medicine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the benefit outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

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