Has your doctor told you that your blood cholesterol level is high? Then you may have been told to take a medicine called Colestipol to control it. This is a medicine that comes in the form of a powder. When you hear this name, you may be a little scared, wondering, "What is this medicine, what will it do?" Don't be afraid of anything. In this article, we will talk about exactly what Colestipol is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Colestipol?
Colestipol is a medication that is used to control high cholesterol levels. Its main function is to reduce the level of "bad cholesterol" (that is, LDL cholesterol ) in our body. Now you may be wondering how it does this.
It's very simple. There is something called bile acid that our liver produces. This helps in digestion. What this Colestipol medicine does is bind to this bile in our intestines and carry it out of the body with the feces. What happens then? The body realizes that the level of bile is low. So, the body uses the cholesterol in the blood to make new bile. In this way, the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood starts to decrease little by little.
Remember, taking this medicine alone is not enough. Usually, doctors will advise you to follow a diet and exercise regimen that suits you, along with this medicine. You can get the best results only when you do all three together.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Colestipol for you, it is important to give him or her a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him or her about any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Constipation | This medication may cause or worsen constipation, so it is important to be aware of this in advance. |
| Low blood potassium levels | The absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body may be affected by the action of the medication. |
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) | Some Colestipol products may contain aspartame, which is harmful to people with PKU. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | If you have an allergy to Colestipol or any other substance, it is essential to tell us. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | It is important to seek medical advice about whether or not the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use the medicine exactly?
This is the most important part. The way this medicine is used is a little different.
Very important: Never take this medicine as a powder directly into your mouth. Doing so can cause choking. Always dilute it in a liquid.
- Choose a liquid: You can use any liquid, such as water, milk, fruit juice (especially pulpy fruit juice), or thin soup. Drink at least 3 ounces (about 90 ml) of liquid.
- Mix: Add the amount of medicine powder that the doctor told you to this liquid and stir well. You may notice that it doesn't dissolve completely. That's okay.
- Drink completely: Finish drinking the mixture completely.
- Rinse the glass and drink: Then, pour some more water into the same glass you mixed the medicine in and drink that too. This will help the medicine remaining in the glass to be absorbed into your body.
- Carbonated drinks: If you are using a drink like cola or soda, use a slightly larger glass because this medicine can cause foaming.
If used with other medications...
This is very important. If you are taking other medications, take them one hour before or four hours after taking Colestipol . Colestipol can reduce the absorption of other medications into the body.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular checkups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and have your cholesterol levels and health status checked.
- Constipation: This medicine may cause constipation in some people. If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days , call your doctor immediately.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Some medications may interact with this medication. For example, diuretics, Gemfibrozil, Digoxin, Propranolol, antibiotics such as Tetracycline, and vitamins A, D, and K may interact with this medication.
- Complete program: Remember, this medicine is only one part of a complete program to maintain heart health. Avoid alcohol and smoking completely. Follow the dietary instructions given by your doctor.
What are the side effects? When should you seek medical advice?
Like any medicine, Colestipol can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them. Don't be alarmed by the list below, it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black or bloody stools, brown vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How to store medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Colestipol is a cholesterol-lowering drug that works by removing bile acids from the body and using cholesterol in the blood.
- Never take this medicine as a powder . Always mix it well with a liquid such as water or juice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any other illnesses you have, and any allergies you have.
- If you are taking other medications, take them one hour before or 4 hours after taking Colestipol.
- Along with taking medication, it is essential to have a good diet and exercise .
- If you experience serious side effects (abnormal bleeding, allergies), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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