Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g Tablet, Film Coated, 120-count
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Bile Acid Sequestrant class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Colestipol is used to decrease the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance that can build up in blood vessels leading to heart attack or strokes or other medical conditions). Colestipol is in a class of medications called bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines to form a product that is removed from the body.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Colestipol is designed to bring down your LDL — that's the 'bad' cholesterol. It does this by working in your gut, trapping compounds called bile acids and carrying them out of you...
- What exactly is colestipol supposed to do for me?
- No — never take the granules or powder dry. Always stir them into a full glass of water or another beverage before you drink it. Swallowing dry powder can cause it to go down the w...
- How do I take the granules or powder? Do I just swallow them?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Colestipol may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII F2O5O2OI9F
A cellulose derivative made by chemically modifying plant fiber. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in the digestive system.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII FZ989GH94E
Povidone is a synthetic polymer made from a plastic-like material. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII ETJ7Z6XBU4
Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII XHX3C3X673
Triacetin is a clear, oily liquid made from glycerin and acetic acid. It works as a plasticizer and solvent in medicines, helping soften coatings and improve how liquids mix together in formulations.
6 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.653 | $78.41 / 120 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 42799-0115-01 | Edenbridge | 120 tablets | $0.653 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 gthis 50742-0284-12 | Ingenus | 120 tablets | $0.653 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 59762-0450-01 | Mylan | 120 tablets | $0.653 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 60687-0715-21 | American | 1 tablet | $0.653 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 62559-0395-12 | ANI | 120 tablets | $0.653 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Colestid 1 g 00009-0450-03 | Pharmacia | 120 tablets | $2.146 | AB | FDA listed | +228% |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 00115-5211-02 | Amneal | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Colestipol hydrochloride 1 g 70710-1467-05 | Zydus | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Colestipol hydrochloride 1 g 70771-1653-05 | Zydus | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Colestipol Hydrochloride 1 g 72603-0817-01 | NorthStar | 120 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50742-0284-12 You're viewing this | 120 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50742-284-12) | 2024-12-03 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Since no drug is innocuous, strict attention should be paid to the indications and contraindications, particularly when selecting drugs for chronic long-term use. Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and LDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL-C) who do not respond adequately to diet. Generally, Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets have no clinically significant effect on serum triglycerides, but with their use, triglyceride levels may be raised in some patients.
Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Treatment should begin and continue with dietary therapy (see NCEP guidelines). A minimum of six months of intensive dietary therapy and counseling should be carried out prior to initiation of drug therapy.
Shorter periods may be considered in patients with severe elevations of LDL-C or with definite CHD. According to the NCEP guidelines, the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, and LDL-C is to be used to initiate and assess treatment response. Only if LDL-C levels are not available, should the Total-C be used to monitor therapy.
The NCEP treatment guidelines are shown below. LDL-Cholesterol mg/dL (mmol/L) Definite Atherosclerotic Disease Coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (including symptomatic carotid artery disease). Two or More Other Risk Factors Other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) include: age (males: ≥45 years; female: ≥55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy); family history of premature CHD; current cigarette smoking; hypertension; confirmed HDL-C <35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L); and diabetes mellitus.
Subtract one risk factor if HDL-C is ≥60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L). Initiation Level Goal No No ≥190 (≥4.9) <160 (<4.1) No Yes ≥160 (≥4.1) <130 (<3.4) Yes Yes or No ≥130 (≥3.4) ≤100 (≤2.6)
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For adults, Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets are recommended in doses of 2 to 16 grams/day given once or in divided doses. The starting dose should be 2 grams once or twice daily. Dosage increases of 2 grams, once or twice daily should occur at 1- or 2-month intervals.
Appropriate use of lipid profiles as per NCEP guidelines including LDL-C and triglycerides, is advised so that optimal but not excessive doses are used to obtain the desired therapeutic effect on LDL-C level. If the desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at a dose of 2 to 16 grams/day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered. Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets must be taken one at a time and be promptly swallowed whole, using plenty of water or other appropriate liquid.
Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets to minimize possible interference with their absorption. (See DRUG INTERACTIONS .) Before Administration of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets Define the type of hyperlipoproteinemia, as described in NCEP guidelines.
Institute a trial of diet and weight reduction. Establish baseline serum total and LDL-C and triglyceride levels. During Administration of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets The patient should be carefully monitored clinically, including serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Periodic determinations of serum cholesterol levels as outlined in the NCEP guidelines should be done to confirm a favorable initial and long-term response. Failure of total or LDL-C to fall within the desired range should lead one to first examine dietary and drug compliance. If these are deemed acceptable, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.
Significant rise in triglyceride level should be considered as indication for dose reduction, drug discontinuation, or combined or alternate therapy.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of their components.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve minimal GI disturbance with an optimal LDL-C lowering effect, a gradual increase of dosage starting with 2 grams, once or twice daily is recommended. Constipation is the major single complaint and at times is severe.
Most instances of constipation are mild, transient, and controlled with standard treatment. Increased fluid intake and inclusion of additional dietary fiber should be the first step; a stool softener may be added if needed. Some patients require decreased dosage or discontinuation of therapy.
Hemorrhoids may be aggravated. Other, less frequent gastrointestinal complaints consist of abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain and cramping), intestinal gas (bloating and flatulence), indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea and loose stools, and nausea and vomiting. Bleeding hemorrhoids and blood in the stool have been infrequently reported.
Peptic ulceration, cholecystitis, and cholelithiasis have been rarely reported in patients receiving colestipol hydrochloride granules, and are not necessarily drug related. Difficulty swallowing and transient esophageal obstruction have been rarely reported in patients taking Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets. Transient and modest elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase were observed on one or more occasions in various patients treated with colestipol hydrochloride.
The following nongastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported with generally equal frequency in patients receiving Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets, colestipol granules, or placebo in clinical studies: Cardiovascular Chest pain, angina, and tachycardia have been infrequently reported. Hypersensitivity Rash has been infrequently reported. Urticaria and dermatitis have been rarely noted in patients receiving colestipol hydrochloride granules.
Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal pain, aches and pains in the extremities, joint pain and arthritis, and backache have been reported. Neurologic Headache, migraine headache, and sinus headache have been reported. Other infrequently reported complaints include dizziness, light-headedness, and insomnia.
Miscellaneous Anorexia, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet, have been infrequently reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-748-1970 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
DRUG INTERACTIONS Since colestipol hydrochloride is an anion exchange resin, it may have a strong affinity for anions other than the bile acids. In vitro studies have indicated that colestipol hydrochloride binds a number of drugs. Therefore, Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication.
The interval between the administration of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets and any other medication should be as long as possible. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets to avoid impeding their absorption. Repeated doses of colestipol hydrochloride given prior to a single dose of propranolol in human trials have been reported to decrease propranolol absorption.
However, in a follow-up study in normal subjects, single-dose administration of colestipol hydrochloride and propranolol and twice-a-day administration for 5 days of both agents did not affect the extent of propranolol absorption, but had a small yet statistically significant effect on its rate of absorption; the time to reach maximum concentration was delayed approximately 30 minutes. Effects on the absorption of other beta-blockers have not been determined. Therefore, patients on propranolol should be observed when Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets are either added or deleted from a therapeutic regimen.
Studies in humans show that the absorption of chlorothiazide as reflected in urinary excretion is markedly decreased even when administered one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. The absorption of tetracycline, furosemide, penicillin G, hydrochlorothiazide, and gemfibrozil was significantly decreased when given simultaneously with colestipol hydrochloride; these drugs were not tested to determine the effect of administration one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. No depressant effect on blood levels in humans was noted when colestipol hydrochloride was administered with any of the following drugs: aspirin, clindamycin, clofibrate, methyldopa, nicotinic acid (niacin), tolbutamide, phenytoin or warfarin.
Particular caution should be observed with digitalis preparations since there are conflicting results for the effect of colestipol hydrochloride on the availability of digoxin and digitoxin. The potential for binding of these drugs if given concomitantly is present. Discontinuing colestipol hydrochloride could pose a hazard to health if a potentially toxic drug that is significantly bound to the resin has been titrated to a maintenance level while the patient was taking colestipol hydrochloride.
Bile acid binding resins may also interfere with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements and hydrocortisone. A study has shown that cholestyramine binds bile acids and reduces mycophenolic acid exposure. As colestipol also binds bile acids, colestipol may reduce mycophenolic acid exposure and potentially reduce efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Use in Pregnancy Since colestipol hydrochloride is essentially not absorbed systemically (less than 0.17% of the dose), it is not expected to cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy in recommended dosages. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and the known interference with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may be detrimental even in the presence of supplementation. The use of Colestipol Hydrochloride tablets in pregnancy or by women of childbearing potential requires that the potential benefits of drug therapy be weighed against possible hazards to the mother or child.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets has not been reported. Should overdosage occur, however, the chief potential harm would be obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The location of such potential obstruction, the degree of obstruction and the presence or absence of normal gut motility would determine treatment.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 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. Colestipol hydrochloride is hydrophilic, but it is virtually water insoluble (99.75%) and it is not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes.
The high molecular weight polymer in colestipol hydrochloride apparently is not absorbed. In humans, less than 0.17% of a single 14 C-labeled colestipol hydrochloride dose is excreted in the urine when given following 60 days of dosing of 20 grams of colestipol hydrochloride per day. The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to colestipol hydrochloride administration leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids.
This results in an increase in the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, increased hepatic uptake of LDL and a decrease in beta lipoprotein or LDL serum levels, and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Although colestipol hydrochloride produces an increase in the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol in man, serum cholesterol levels fall. There is evidence to show that this fall in cholesterol is secondary to an increased rate of clearance of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins (beta or low-density lipoproteins) from the plasma.
Serum triglyceride levels may increase or remain unchanged in colestipol hydrochloride treated patients. The decline in serum cholesterol levels with colestipol hydrochloride treatment is usually evident by one month. When colestipol hydrochloride is discontinued, serum cholesterol levels usually return to baseline levels within one month.
Periodic determinations of serum cholesterol levels as outlined in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines, should be done to confirm a favorable initial and long-term response. 1 In a large, placebo-controlled, multiclinic study, the LRC-CPPT 2 , hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with cholestyramine, a bile-acid sequestrant with a mechanism of action and an effect on serum cholesterol similar to that of colestipol hydrochloride, had reductions in total and LDL-C. Over the 7-year study period the cholestyramine group experienced a 19% reduction (relative to the incidence in the placebo group) in the combined rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) death plus nonfatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidences of 7% cholestyramine and 8.6% placebo).
The subjects included in the study were middle-aged men (aged 35–59) with serum cholesterol levels above 265 mg/dL, LDL-C above 175 mg/dL on a moderate cholesterol-lowering diet, and no history of heart disease. It is not clear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to other segments of the hypercholesterolemic population not studied. Treatment with colestipol results in a significant increase in lipoprotein LpAI.
Lipoprotein LpAI is one of the two major lipoprotein particles within the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) density range 3 , and has been shown in cell culture to promote cholesterol efflux or removal from cells 4 . Although the significance of this finding has not been established in clinical studies, the elevation of the lipoprotein LpAI particle wit…
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets are pale-yellow to yellow, oval, film coated tablets, debossed with I on one side and plain in the other side, and are supplied as follows: Bottles of 120 NDC 50742-284-12 Each tablet contains 1 gram of colestipol hydrochloride, USP. Dispense in tight containers, and store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Dispense in tight containers, and store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets is colestipol hydrochloride, USP, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Colestipol is an insoluble, high molecular weight basic anion-exchange copolymer of diethylenetriamine and 1-chloro-2, 3-epoxypropane, with approximately 1 out of 5 amine nitrogens protonated (chloride form). It is a light yellow water-insoluble resin which is hygroscopic and swells when suspended in water or aqueous fluids.
Each Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablet contains one gram of colestipol hydrochloride, USP. Colestipol Hydrochloride is pale-yellow to yellow in color. Inactive ingredients: povidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, cellacefate, triacetin and Opadry clear 06K190000.
Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets contain no calories.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Colestipol Hydrochloride 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 Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets. It is important that you take Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets correctly: Always take one tablet at a time and swallow promptly.
Swallow each tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets must be taken with water or another liquid that you prefer.
Swallowing the tablets will be easier if you drink plenty of liquid as you swallow each tablet. Difficulty swallowing and temporary obstruction of the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach) have been rarely reported in patients taking Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets. If a tablet 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 Colestipol Hydrochloride 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 Colestipol Hydrochloride Tablets.