High Cholesterol Support Group

High cholesterol is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is not a disease but a metabolic derangement that can be secondary to many diseases and can contribute to many forms of disease, most notably cardiovascular disease. If you have high cholesterol, join the community to find support and share your experience.

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ High Cholesterol Support Group

Colestropol

PixieW
PixieW
My Dr. put me pack on Colestropol (Colestid) since the statins raises my liver enzymes. However, I have severe constipation now. This med was originally a cholesterol med but is used more to treat diarrhea in IBS patients. Is there any one here with some medical knowledge that will tell me if it would hurt to skip a few days until I get my bowels back on track. I took a laxative, but I only had a very small movement. This is really severe. I guess I am saying that I will take a break but I am hoping someone can reassure me that's ok.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello i don't know if you want to skip without calling dr. first. Try taking mirilax everyday and there is no taste mix it with anything and it should help you stay regular so will fiber tables. Hang in there i have been through this too, Rainy
PixieW
PixieW
Thanks...I will have to take something to stay regular. I am worried about becoming laxative dependent. If it's not one thing, it's something else!
LoMac
LoMac
Based on how Colestid works constipation is certainly a possible side effect. Staying loose and regular is key. Although Ive always been told diet first, supplement second, drugs third, sometimes they run a VERY close first, second and third but. Also Ive been told NOT to do laxatives necessarily but a stool softener, Colace in particular. Then something to keep system up on enzymes, I have a hard time with yogurt so supplement. Like Raisin Bran, its one of the highest in Fiber, Iron too so its two-fer.
PixieW
PixieW
Thank you!
sptrout
sptrout
If you want to try a very cheap, but safe and effective, alternative, try "lactalose." This drug is very commonly used in nursing homes and hospitals, but most doctors will be clueless if you mention it. It is not a stimulate laxative and is considered fine for long term use by GI doctors. It is dirt cheap if your insurance covers it, about $2/month, but costs less that $15 if you have to pay cash ($$ based on daily usage). Really no more than many OTC remedies that are less effective and more painful. MiraLax and Colace both make me sick, but no problem with lactalose. Lactalose is a clear and nearly tasteless thick liquid (think tasteless pancake sryup). You take 30ml (2 tablespoons) every night (as I do) or as needed. Since I have chronic pain, and therefore have to take opiate pain meds, this is the only med that does not cause more problems that it cures.

BTW - - Just in case your doctor's eyes do not glass over when you mention lactalose, they may try to prescribe "Kristalose" which is similar (but in a crystal form), and is much more expensive.
missd12932
missd12932
I stopped taking colestid because of the comstipation.
But I had forgotten about Lactalose. It is very mild but does work well.
PixieW
PixieW
Thanks all for your input. Sorry I haven't been around...very busy during the holidays.
PixieW
PixieW
Dr. pulled me off Colestid. It wasn't doing much good and she agreed I shouldn't have to live with this issue. I told her I wouldn't be able to stand it if she upped the dose. We are trying Zeta now. **crossing fingers**