Colestipol hydrochloride for treatment of hypercholesterolemia in a family practice: five-year study

Colestipol hydrochloride (Colestid) lowered the serum cholesterol level significantly more than did placebo in hypercholesterolemic patients (21 colestipol, 19 placebo) treated for up to 5 years. In the 21 colestipol-treated patients, the average decrease in serum cholesterol levels was 19 percent during the first year and 23 percent during the second through fifth years. Seven patients (age range, 44 to 59 years) took colestipol for the full 5 years. The data showed a consistent lowering of the serum cholesterol level. The only side effect was constipation.