Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins often cause diarrhea as a side effect. Another type of medication used to lower cholesterol, called colestipol hydrochloride and sold as Colestid, decreases rather than increases diarrhea. Colestid acts differently in the intestine than statin medications, which block the action of enzymes called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. Colestid acts as a bile acid sequestrant, preventing reabsorption of bile acids in the small intestine.
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Bile acids play an essential part in the breakdown of fat in your food. Bile acids produced by the liver enter the intestines and emulsify the fat in foods so your intestines can absorb it. Most of the bile acids secreted re-enter the liver through reabsorption. Colestid binds to the bile acids, which allows them to pass from the body in the feces. Since an excess of bile acid can cause diarrhea, Colestid helps reduce diarrhea in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acting as a cholesterol-lowering agent.
Effects
One of the most common complaints in people taking Colestid is that it can cause constipation, which may be severe. Increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of liquids can help offset any constipation that occurs while taking Colestid.
Benefits
Diarrhea can be a serious side effect of statins. If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, bile acid-binding medications to lower cholesterol such as Colestid may help you tolerate the medication.
Considerations
In some cases, your doctor may prefer that you take a statin medication to control your cholesterol levels, since Colestid and statins have different actions. Talk with your doctor about Colestid if you're interested in avoiding one of the most common side effects of statins, diarrhea or if you have an illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome, that causes diarrhea.
