Side Effects of Colestipol

Common side effects of colestipol include intestinal gas, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea. Most side effects are minor and do not require treatment, but you should notify your healthcare provider if you experience bloody or black, tarry stools; unexplained muscle pain or weakness; difficulty breathing; or unexplained bleeding. If you develop colestipol side effects, your healthcare provider may choose to decrease your dosage.

Colestipol Drug

Side Effects of Colestipol: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with colestipol (Colestid^®). However, not everyone who takes this cholesterol medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with colestipol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of colestipol side effects with you.)

Serious Colestipol Side Effects

Some side effects of colestipol should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:

Severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained bleeding.

Common Colestipol Side Effects

Colestipol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common side effect of colestipol was constipation.

Other less common colestipol side effects may include but are not limited to:

Stomach discomfort or pain
Intestinal gas
Bloating
Diarrhea or loose stool
Nausea
Vomiting.

(Side Effects of Colestipol Continued: Page 2)