COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) is an anion-exchange resin used to lower blood cholesterol levels. The active ingredient in COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets is micronized colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets may be larger than pills you have taken before. If you have had swallowing problems or choking with food, liquids or other tablets or capsules in the past, you should discuss this with your doctor before taking COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets. It is important that you take COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL)Tablets correctly: 1. Always take one tablet of COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) at a time and swallow promptly. 2. Swallow each tablet of COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) tablets. 3.COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets must be taken with water or another liquid that you prefer. Swallowing the COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) tablets will be easier if you drink plenty of liquid as you swallow each tablet of COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL). Difficulty in swallowing and temporary obstruction of the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach) have been rarely reported in patients taking COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets. If a tablet of COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) does get stuck after you swallow it, you may notice pressure or discomfort. If this happens to you, you should contact your doctor. Do not take COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets again without your doctor’s advice. If you are taking other medications, you should take them at least one hour before or four hours after taking COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets. COLESTID from Canada (COLESTIPOL) Tablets are light yellow in color and are tasteless and odorless. Cholesterol is the major, and probably the sole precursor of bile acids. During normal digestion, bile acids are secreted via the bile from the liver and gall bladder into the intestines. Bile acids emulsify the fat and lipid materials present in food, thus facilitating absorption. A major portion of the bile acids secreted is reabsorbed from the intestines and returned via the portal circulation to the liver, thus completing the enterohepatic cycle. Only very small amounts of bile acids are found in normal serum. Colestipol hydrochloride binds bile acids in the intestine forming a complex that is excreted in the feces. This nonsystemic action results in a partial removal of the bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation, preventing their reabsorption. Since colestipol hydrochloride is an anion exchange resin, the chloride anions of the resin can be replaced by other anions, usually those with a greater affinity for the resin than the chloride ion.

Colestid Side Effects:

COLESTID side effects, that may go away during treatment, include constipation, gas, nausea, or heartburn. If COLESTID side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other COLESTID side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine and lead to COLESTID side effects. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking digoxin. Inform your doctor of any other COLESTID side effects,medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF COLESTID IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of certain liver conditions (primary biliary cirrhosis)otherwise they may result in COLESTID side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about COLESTID side effects.

COLESTID Information provided by your doctor. SWALLOW COLESTID WHOLE. Do not cut, chew, or crush the COLESTID tablet. TAKE EACH DOSE of COLESTID with a full glass of water. Drink several glasses of water or other liquids daily. TAKE OTHER MEDICINES 1 hour or more before or at least 4 hours after taking COLESTID. STORE COLESTID at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF COLESTID, take COLESTID as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.