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Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g/5g Granule, For Suspension, 500 g — NDC 59762-0260-03 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g/5g Granule, For Suspension, 500 g — NDC 59762-0260-3 (Billing 59762-0260-03)

by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. · 500 g in 1 BOTTLE

This is a package of 500 g of Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g/5g Granule, For Suspension from Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., marketed since Apr 1977 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.2687 per g (NADAC). It is the main listing for this product, which comes in 3 package sizes.

NDC 59762-0260-03
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 59762-0260-3 billing pads the package segment with a zero
This package
Contains500 g Cost per g$0.2687 NADAC Per package$134.35 / 500 g Pack sizes3 compare ↓
Also priced by: Medicaid pays $0.2808/unit · Part D plans $2.59/unit — full pricing hub ↓
Main listing for product 59762-0260 · Also comes in: 30 packets 59762-0260-1 90 packets 59762-0260-2
Rx only Brand On market Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 8, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

NDC database record

One package, one record: these facts belong to NDC 59762-0260-3 alone.

Record
FDA NDC Directory package listing · Human prescription drug
Code segments
59762 labeler · 0260 product · 3 package
Package marketed since
Apr 4, 1977
Sample package
No — commercial package
Listing certified through
Dec 31, 2026
Billing quantity
500 g per package
Barcode (UPC-A, from the NDC)
3 5976202603 3
Medicaid fills, this package
89 prescriptions in the last four reported quarters
FDA record last changed
Jul 24, 2026

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 59762-0260-3
Product NDC 59762-0260
11-digit billing NDC 59762026003
NCPDP billing unit GM — per gram (weight)
RxCUI 1048450
UNII X7D10K905G
Application # NDA017563
SPL Set ID 4e89bf6e-c78a-402e-9cb2-8d02f6047d68
Established class (EPC) Bile Acid Sequestrant
Mechanism of action Bile-acid Binding Activity
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 1977-04-04
Route ORAL
Dosage form GRANULE, FOR SUSPENSION
Substance COLESTIPOL HYDROCHLORIDE

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GPI-14 39100020103010
GPI class Colestipol HCl
GCN Seq No 003101
GCN 25450
HICL code 001374
Ingredient (HICL) Colestipol Hcl
HIC1 code D
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Biliary System/Gastro-Intestinal System
HIC2 code D7
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Act Primarily On Liver/Biliary Tract
HIC3 code D7L
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Bile Salt Sequestrants
AHFS code 24:06.04.00
AHFS class Bile Acid Sequestrants
FDB label name COLESTIPOL HCL GRANULES
FDB brand name Colestipol Hcl
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 003101
  • GCN: 25450
  • GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 39100020103010
  • HICL (First Databank): 001374
  • AHFS class code: 24:06.04.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 1048450
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 59762-0260-3 — a 5-4-1 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the package segment → 59762-0260-03. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Bile Acid Sequestrant class.

Pharmacologic class Bile Acid Sequestrant
Drug family (ATC) Bile acid sequestrants
How it works Bile-acid Binding Activity
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name COLESTIPOL HCL GRANULES Ingredient Colestipol Hcl
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It lowers high LDL cholesterol when diet alone hasn’t done enough. It works best alongside the diet changes your prescriber recommends. It isn’t a substitute for them.
  • Never swallow them dry. Mix each dose with water or another fluid first. This helps you avoid accidentally inhaling it or irritating your throat.
  • Swallow them whole, one at a time, with plenty of water or another liquid. Don’t cut, crush or chew them. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
  • Constipation is the most common problem, and it can sometimes be severe. Drinking more fluids and adding fiber helps, and a stool softener can be added if needed. Starting low and...
📖 Read our full Colestipol guide →
8
Nutrient depletion considerations

Colestipol may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.

An association is not a deficiency. Educational only — don't start or stop anything without professional guidance.
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

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 systemPer gPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $0.269 $134.35 / 500 g
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $0.2808 $140.40 / 500 g
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $2.59 $1,294.75 / 500 g
NADAC price history (per g) — tap or hover for the price & month
Dec 2025 Feb 2026 May 2026 Aug 2026 $0.284 $0.258
▲ Up 4% over the last 9 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Per unit Per pack Marketing startMarketing endStatus
59762-0260-01 59762-0260-1 30 PACKET in 1 CARTON / 5 g in 1 PACKET $2.76 / ea $82.86 1977-04-04 May 31, 2027 Active
59762-0260-02 59762-0260-2 90 PACKET in 1 CARTON / 5 g in 1 PACKET $2.76 / ea $248.57 1977-04-04 Oct 31, 2026 Active
59762-0260-03 You're viewing this Main listing 500 g in 1 BOTTLE $0.2687 / g $134.33 1977-04-04 — Active

Pack size FAQ

What quantity is in this package?
This package contains 500 g — 500 g in 1 bottle.
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g/5g Granule, For Suspension?
Use the 11-digit billing form listed in the identifiers section of this page. Pharmacy and medical claims use the 11-digit form; the FDA label may print a shorter form of the same code.

Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g/5gthis 59762-0260-03 Mylan 500 g $0.269 — Availability likely —
Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g 00115-5212-18 Amneal 30 suspensions $2.718 — FDA listed +912%
Colestid 5 g/5g 00009-0260-01 Pharmacia 30 packets — — Discontinued —
Colestipol Hydrochloride 5 g 00115-5213-02 Amneal 100 suspensions — — FDA listed —
About this product: this is an authorized generic — the brand-name product marketed without its brand name. Other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
1977
On the market since
Apr 1977
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
49 years listed
🔒
·
Generic approved (availability unconfirmed)
see note
🔒Generic approved by FDA, but pharmacy availability is not confirmed

The FDA lists approved generic versions of this medicine, but that does not always mean a pharmacy can get one today. Patent rules, launch agreements, supply and pricing can affect when generics actually arrive.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

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.

🧪 Avoiding an ingredient? See Colestipol inactive ingredients by manufacturer: every current product's list side by side, so you can ask your pharmacy for the version that does not list it.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • 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.

1 inactive ingredient listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — 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?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerMylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Application holderPFIZER INC
FDA applicationNDA017563 (NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC)
Labeler code59762
First marketedApr 1977
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio473 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ~1 min read ▾

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 granules are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated low density lipoproteins [LDL] cholesterol) who do not respond adequately to diet. Generally, colestipol hydrochloride granules have no clinically significant effect on serum triglycerides, but with its 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; females: ≥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 ~2 min read ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of colestipol hydrochloride granules contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride. The recommended daily adult dose is one to six packets or level scoopfuls given once or in divided doses. Treatment should be started with one dose once or twice daily with an increment of one dose/day at one- or two-month intervals.

Appropriate use of lipid profiles as per NCEP guidelines including LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides is advised so that optimal, but not excessive doses are used to obtain the desired therapeutic effect on LDL-cholesterol level. If the desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at one to six doses/day with good compliance and acceptable side effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered. To avoid accidental inhalation or esophageal distress, colestipol hydrochloride granules should not be taken in its dry form.

Colestipol hydrochloride granules should always be mixed with water or other fluids before ingesting. Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after colestipol hydrochloride granules to minimize possible interference with their absorption. (See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions .) Before Colestipol Hydrochloride Granules Administration 1.

Define the type of hyperlipoproteinemia, as described in NCEP guidelines. 2. Institute a trial of diet and weight reduction.

3. Establish baseline serum total and LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. During Colestipol Hydrochloride Granules Administration 1.

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 longer-term response. 2.

Failure of total or LDL-cholesterol 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. 3.

Significant rise in triglyceride level should be considered as indication for dose reduction, drug discontinuation, or combined or alternate therapy. Mixing and Administration Guide Colestipol hydrochloride granules should always be mixed in a liquid such as water or the beverage of your choice. It may also be taken in soups or with cereals or pulpy fruits.

Colestipol hydrochloride granules should never be taken in its dry form. With Beverages 1. Add the prescribed amount of colestipol hydrochloride granules to a glassful (three ounces or more) of water or the beverage of your choice.

A heavy or pulpy juice may minimize complaints relative to consistency. 2. Stir the mixture until the medication is completely mixed.

(Colestipol hydrochloride granules will not dissolve in the liquid.) Colestipol hydrochloride granules may also be mixed with carbonated beverages, slowly stirred in a large glass; however, this mixture may be associated with GI complaints. Rinse the glass with a small amount of additional beverage to make sure all the medication is taken. With cereals, soups, and fruits Colestipol hydrochloride granules may be taken mixed with milk in hot or regular breakfast cereals, or even mixed in soups that have a high fluid content.

It may also be added to fruits that are pulpy such as crushed pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail.

⛔ Contraindications 18 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS Colestipol hydrochloride granules are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

⚠️ Warnings 31 words ▾

WARNINGS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INHALATION OR ESOPHAGEAL DISTRESS, COLESTIPOL HYDROCHLORIDE GRANULES SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IN ITS DRY FORM. ALWAYS MIX COLESTIPOL HYDROCHLORIDE GRANULES WITH WATER OR OTHER FLUIDS BEFORE INGESTING.

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~1 min read ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve minimal GI disturbance with an optimal LDL-cholesterol lowering effect, a gradual increase of dosage starting with one dose/day 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. 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 non-gastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported with generally equal frequency in patients receiving colestipol hydrochloride 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 pains, 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.

🔄 Drug Interactions ~2 min read ▾

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 granules resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication.

The interval between the administration of colestipol hydrochloride granules 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 granules 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 effect 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 30 minutes. Effects on the absorption of other beta-blockers have not been determined. Therefore, patients on propranolol should be observed when colestipol hydrochloride granules is 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 94 words ▾

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 granules 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 13 words ▾

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.

🆘 Overdosage 47 words ▾

OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of colestipol hydrochloride granules 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 ~3 min read ▾

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 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 chronic 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 low density lipoprotein 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 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Over the seven-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 death plus non-fatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidences of 7% cholestyramine and 8.6%, placebo). The subjects included in the study were middle-aged men (age 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 hydrochloride 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 establish… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 61 words ▾

HOW SUPPLIED Colestipol hydrochloride granules are available as follows: Cartons of 30 foil packets — NDC 59762-0260-1 Cartons of 90 foil packets — NDC 59762-0260-2 Bottles of 500 grams with scoop — NDC 59762-0260-3 Each packet or level scoop supplies 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride granules. Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) [see USP].

📋 Description 94 words ▾

DESCRIPTION Colestipol hydrochloride granules for oral suspension contain colestipol hydrochloride, which is a lipid lowering agent for oral use. Colestipol hydrochloride 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.

Colestipol hydrochloride granules are tasteless and odorless. Inactive ingredient: silicon dioxide. One dose (1 packet or 1 level teaspoon) of colestipol hydrochloride granules contains 5 grams of colestipol hydrochloride.

⚠️ Precautions ~3 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS Prior to initiating therapy with colestipol hydrochloride granules, secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism), should be excluded, and a lipid profile performed to assess Total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG). For individuals with TG less than 400 mg/dL (<4.5 mmol/L), LDL-C can be estimated using the following equation: LDL-C = Total cholesterol - [ (Triglycerides / 5)+HDL-C] For TG levels >400 mg/dL, this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation.

In hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated Total-C. In such cases colestipol hydrochloride granules may not be indicated. Because it sequesters bile acids, colestipol hydrochloride may interfere with normal fat absorption and thus may reduce absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K.

Chronic use of colestipol hydrochloride may be associated with an increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia from vitamin K deficiency. This will usually respond promptly to parenteral vitamin K 1 and recurrences can be prevented by oral administration of vitamin K 1 . Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be determined periodically based on NCEP guidelines to confirm a favorable initial and adequate long-term response.

Colestipol hydrochloride granules may produce or severely worsen pre-existing constipation. The dosage should be increased gradually in patients to minimize the risk of developing fecal impaction. In patients with pre-existing constipation, the starting dose should be 1 packet or 1 scoop once daily for 5–7 days, increasing to twice daily with monitoring of constipation and of serum lipoproteins, at least twice, 4–6 weeks apart.

Increased fluid and fiber intake should be encouraged to alleviate constipation and a stool softener may occasionally be indicated. If the initial dose is well tolerated, the dose may be increased as needed by one dose/day (at monthly intervals) with periodic monitoring of serum lipoproteins. If constipation worsens or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at one to six doses/day, combination therapy or alternate therapy should be considered.

Particular effort should be made to avoid constipation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Constipation associated with colestipol hydrochloride granules may aggravate hemorrhoids. While there have been no reports of hypothyroidism induced in individuals with normal thyroid function, the theoretical possibility exists, particularly in patients with limited thyroid reserve.

Since colestipol hydrochloride is a chloride form of an anion exchange resin, there is a possibility that prolonged use may lead to the development of hyperchloremic acidosis. Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and impairment of fertility In studies conducted in rats in which cholestyramine resin (a bile acid sequestering agent similar to colestipol hydrochloride) was used as a tool to investigate the role of various intestinal factors, such as fat, bile salts and microbial flora, in the development of intestinal tumors induced by potent carcinogens, the incidence of such tumors was observed to be greater in cholestyramine resin treated rats than in control rats.

The relevance of this laboratory observation from studies in rats with cholestyramine resin to the clinical use of colestipol hydrochloride is not known. In the LRC-CPPT study referred to above, the total incidence of fatal and non-fatal neoplasms was similar in both treatment groups. When the many different categories of tumors are examined, various alimentary system cancers were somewhat more prevalent in the cholestyramine group.

The small numbers and the multiple categories prevent conclusions from being drawn. Further follow-up of the LRC-CPPT participants by t… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🍼 Nursing Mothers 35 words ▾

Nursing Mother Caution should be exercised when colestipol hydrochloride granules is administered to a nursing mother. The possible lack of proper vitamin absorption described in the "pregnancy" section may have an effect on nursing infants.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 204 words ▾

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and impairment of fertility In studies conducted in rats in which cholestyramine resin (a bile acid sequestering agent similar to colestipol hydrochloride) was used as a tool to investigate the role of various intestinal factors, such as fat, bile salts and microbial flora, in the development of intestinal tumors induced by potent carcinogens, the incidence of such tumors was observed to be greater in cholestyramine resin treated rats than in control rats. The relevance of this laboratory observation from studies in rats with cholestyramine resin to the clinical use of colestipol hydrochloride is not known.

In the LRC-CPPT study referred to above, the total incidence of fatal and non-fatal neoplasms was similar in both treatment groups. When the many different categories of tumors are examined, various alimentary system cancers were somewhat more prevalent in the cholestyramine group. The small numbers and the multiple categories prevent conclusions from being drawn.

Further follow-up of the LRC-CPPT participants by the sponsors of that study is planned for cause-specific mortality and cancer morbidity. When colestipol hydrochloride was administered in the diet to rats for 18 months, there was no evidence of any drug related intestinal tumor formation. In the Ames assay, colestipol hydrochloride was not mutagenic.

📚 References ~1 min read ▾

REFERENCES 1. Summary of the Second Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel II). JAMA 269(23):3015–3023, 1993.

2. Lipid Metabolism-Atherogenesis Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD: The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial Results. I.

Reduction in Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease. JAMA 251:351–364, 1984. 3.

Parra HJ, et al. Differential electroimmunoassay of human LpA-I lipoprotein particles on ready-to-use plates. Clin.

Chem. 36(8):1431–1435, 1990. 4.

Barbaras R, et al. Cholesterol efflux from cultured adipose cells is mediated by LpAI particles but not by LpAI:AII particles. Biochem.

Biophys. Res. Comm.

142(1):63–69, 1987. 5. Kane JP, et al.

Normalization of low-density-lipoprotein levels in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with a combined drug regimen. N Engl. J.

Med. 304:251–258, 1981. 6.

Illingworth DR, et al. Colestipol plus nicotinic acid in treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Lancet 1:296–298, 1981.

7. Kuo PT, et al. Familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia with coronary heart disease: Effect of diet-colestipol-nicotinic acid treatment.

Chest 79:286–291, 1981. 8. Blankenhorn DH, et al.

Beneficial Effects of Combined Colestipol-Niacin Therapy on Coronary Atherosclerosis and Coronary Venous Bypass Grafts. JAMA 257(23):3233–3240, 1987. 9.

Cashin-Hemphill L, et al. Beneficial Effects of Colestipol-Niacin on Coronary Atherosclerosis: A 4-Year Follow-up. JAMA 264:3013–3017, 1990.

10. Brown G, et al. Regression of Coronary Artery Disease as a Result of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Men with High Levels of Apolipoprotein B.

N Engl, J. Med 323:1289–1298, 1990. 11.

Kane JP, et al. Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis During Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia with Combined Drug Regimens. JAMA 264:3007–3012, 1990.

Rx only LAB-0360-4.0 Revised February 2025 colestipol-os-01.jpg

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 124 words ▾

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 gram Packet NDC 59762-0260-1 GREENSTONE ® BRAND colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension, USP 5 grams Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 gram Packet

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 30 Packet Carton NDC 59762-0260-1 30 Foil Packets GREENSTONE ® BRAND colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension, USP 5 grams each Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 30 Packet Carton

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 gram Bottle Label NDC 59762-0260-3 GREENSTONE ® BRAND colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension, USP 500 grams Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 gram Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 gram Bottle Carton NDC 59762-0260-3 GREENSTONE ® BRAND colestipol hydrochloride for oral suspension, USP 500 grams Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 gram Bottle Carton

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
89
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
38.4K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$10.8K
Avg / prescription
$121.25
Avg / unit
$0.2808
Latest quarter Q1 2026
25Rx
Medicaid pays / g
$0.2808
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / g
$0.2687
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$0.0121
+5% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per g (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
88% FFS 12% MCO
Fee-for-service · 78 Rx Managed care · 11 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: no data reported ME Washington: no data reported WA Idaho: no data reported ID Montana: no data reported MT North Dakota: no data reported ND Minnesota: no data reported MN Wisconsin: no data reported WI Michigan: no data reported MI New York: no data reported NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: no data reported OR Nevada: no data reported NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: no data reported SD Iowa: no data reported IA Illinois: no data reported IL Indiana: no data reported IN Ohio: no data reported OH Pennsylvania: no data reported PA New Jersey: no data reported NJ Massachusetts: no data reported MA California: 36,800 units · 94.4 per 100k residents CA Utah: no data reported UT Colorado: no data reported CO Nebraska: no data reported NE Missouri: no data reported MO Kentucky: 1,500 units · 33.1 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: no data reported WV Virginia: no data reported VA Maryland: no data reported MD Connecticut: no data reported CT Rhode Island: no data reported RI Arizona: no data reported AZ New Mexico: no data reported NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: no data reported AR Tennessee: no data reported TN North Carolina: no data reported NC South Carolina: no data reported SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: no data reported OK Louisiana: no data reported LA Mississippi: no data reported MS Alabama: 135 units · 2.6 per 100k residents AL Georgia: no data reported GA D.C.: no data reported DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: no data reported TX Florida: no data reported FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
2.694.4
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 California 94.4 /100k
2 Kentucky 33.1 /100k
3 Alabama 2.6 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicaid utilization by pack size

Medicaid (SDUD) totals over the four most recent reported quarters for every package size of this drug — handy when a specific package (e.g. a starter/titration pack) carries little or no Medicaid volume on its own.
500 g this page59762-0260-03 89 Rx · $10,791
30 packets59762-0260-01 No Medicaid data
90 packets59762-0260-02 No Medicaid data
Drug total (last 4 qtrs): 89 Rx · 38,435 units · $10,791 gross reimbursed
Tap a pack size to open its page. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data, last 4 quarters.

Reported adverse events (FAERS)

Read carefully: FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified. Counts are not incidence, do not establish causation, are subject to reporting bias, and cannot be used to compare one drug to another. Shown for signal context only. Reports for Colestipol Hydrochloride — the ingredient across all brands.

Top reported reactions

Diarrhoea374
Nausea230
Fatigue217
Headache142
Pain126
Vomiting126
Weight Decreased116

Age at onset

Neonate1
Adolescent1
Adult188
Elderly202

Reporter sex

2,600 reports
Male · 31%
Female · 69%
Unknown · 0%

Serious outcomes

Hospitalization654
Death112
Life-threatening41
Disabling38
Reports over time (by year) — tap or hover for the count & year
2020 2022 2024 2026 213 0
Most recent year is provisional (FAERS lags ~3 months).
Where does this data come from?
Adverse-event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA. FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified — counts are not incidence and don’t establish causation.
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.