Colestid

A bile acid sequestrant is called colestid. It functions by attaching to bile acids in the intestine and preventing bloodstream absorption of those acids. As a result, the body absorbs less cholesterol, potentially resulting in lower cholesterol levels.

Adults and kids who are at least 10 years old who have high cholesterol are treated with colestid. Colestid is also used to treat partial biliary obstruction-related pruritus in adults and children older than 6 years old.

Health Benefits

Colestid may lower cholesterol levels by preventing the bloodstream from absorbing bile acids. The liver produces bile acids, a subclass of cholesterol that is kept in the gallbladder. They aid in the breakdown of dietary fats when they are released into the intestine.

In the intestine, colonid binds to bile acids to stop them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This lessens the quantity of cholesterol that the body absorbs, which could aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

Colestid can also be used to treat partial biliary obstruction-related pruritus. A buildup of bile acids in the skin can result in pruritus, which is an itching sensation. Colestid may help to lessen the buildup of bile acids in the skin and relieve itching by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Side Effects

Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain are Colestid side effects that are most frequently reported. As your body gets used to the medication, these side effects typically go away within a few days.

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these side effects:

Constipation

Diarrhea

bloating (excess gas)

Continent pain

If you experience any of these severe side effects, seek medical help right away:

serious allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);

tarry, black stools;

bloody stools

severe or ongoing cramping or pain in the abdomen.

The side effects listed here are not all of them. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any additional side effects.

Dosages

Colestid is typically started at a dose of 4 grams (g) per day, divided into two doses. If necessary, the total daily dose may be increased to 8 g.

Colestid must be taken with food, and it shouldn't be taken an hour after taking another medication.

Take Colestid as soon as you remember if you miss a dose. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never combine two doses at once.

Interactions

Colestid and other drugs may interact. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements you are taking. Colestid should only be taken during pregnancy if it has been prescribed.

The following are some examples of drugs that could interact with Colestid:

medications that lower cholesterol, such as statins

Bile acid-binding resins like colestipol and cholestyramine

Vitamins that are fat-soluble, including vitamin A, D, E, and K

Laxatives

Antacids

All possible drug interactions are not covered in this document. Keep a list of everything you use, including herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and give it to your doctor and pharmacist. Without your doctor's approval, never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications.

Mechanism of Action

Colestid functions by attaching to bile acids in the intestine and preventing bloodstream absorption. This lessens the quantity of cholesterol that the body absorbs, which could aid in lowering cholesterol levels. Colestid may also bind to bile acids in the skin and prevent their buildup, which could lessen the itching brought on by partial biliary obstruction.

Pharmacokinetics

Colestid enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract and is quickly absorbed. It is mostly excreted in the feces and is bound to plasma proteins.

3–4 hour half-life

Binding of proteins: 97%

Feces were excreted (90%)