.
Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant (prevents absorption of bile acids in the digestive system). Bile acids may facilitate the absorption of cholesterol. Colestipol is one of many drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in people with high blood cholesterol.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamins
Bile acid sequestrants, including colestipol, may prevent absorption of folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K.1 2
People taking colestipol should consult with their doctor about vitamin malabsorption and
supplementation. People should take other drugs and vitamin supplements one hour before or
four to six hours after colestipol to improve absorption.3
Animal studies suggest calcium and zinc may be depleted by taking cholestyramine, another bile acid sequestrant. 4 Whether these same interactions would occur with colestipol is not known.
Carotenoids
Use of colestipol for six months has been shown to significantly lower blood levels of
carotenoids including beta-carotene.5
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Water
Bile acid sequestrants should be taken with plenty of water before meals.6
Summary of Interactions for Colestipol
| Depletion or interference |
Beta-carotene Calcium* Carotenoids* Folic acid Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Zinc* |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 224 [review].
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Cardiovascular Drugs, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1999, 171L.
3. Threlkeld DS(ed). Cardiovascular Drugs, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1999, 171L.
4. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.
5. Probstfield JL, Lin T, Peters J, Hunninghake DB. Carotenoids and vitamin A: The effect of hypocholesterolemic agents on serum levels. Metabolism 1985;34:88–91.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.
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