Bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in the stool occur infrequently and may result from severe constipation. There have been rare reports of cholelithiasis, cholecystits, GI bleeding or peptic ulcer. A causal effect has not been established. Because colestipol can bind with and impair the absorption of dietary vitamin K, hypoprothrombinemia can occur. Other adverse reactions have been reported with colestipol.
Cardiovascular effects are rare such as angina and tachycardia.
There have been infrequent reports of a hypersensitivity rash, with urticaria and dermatitis. Reports include musculoskeletal aches and pains in the extremities, joint pain and arthritis, and backache. Neurologic effects include headache and occasional reports of dizziness or lightheadedness, and insomnia. Other infrequent effects include anorexia, shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet. It lowers blood fats and cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke.