Colestipol Alternatives

If side effects are a problem with colestipol, substitutes may be considered. There are a number of other cholesterol medications that are just as effective in lowering cholesterol besides colestipol. Alternatives may include other bile acid sequestrants, niacin, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, and statins. In addition, several types of bile acid sequestrants can be used as colestipol alternatives, including colesevelam and cholestyramine.

Colestipol Drug

Colestipol Alternatives: An Overview

Lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment for lowering cholesterol. However, for some people, treating high cholesterol with a low cholesterol diet, weight control, and exercise are not enough. If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, your doctor can prescribe medications. One such medicine is Colestipol (Colestid^®). For most people, colestipol is quite effective in lowering cholesterol and is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for colestipol. Alternatives could include other bile acid sequestrants or other cholesterol medicines.

Colestipol Alternatives: Other Bile Acid Sequestrants

Colestipol is part of a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the body. Bile acids are made in the liver from broken-down cholesterol. Therefore, removing these substances from your body helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Colestipol can lower both total and LDL cholesterol.

Besides colestipol, there are other bile acid sequestrants available by prescription. These include:

Colesevelam (WelChol^®)
Cholestyramine (Questran^®, Questran^® Light, Prevalite^®, LoCholest^®).

A generic version of colestipol has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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