When should a patient take colestipol according to the nurse's instructions?

Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant that is primarily used to help lower cholesterol levels. It works by binding bile acids in the intestine, which prevents their reabsorption and promotes their excretion. This, in turn, stimulates the liver to convert more cholesterol into bile acids, thereby reducing circulating cholesterol levels.

The recommended timing for taking colestipol is before meals because it can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and medications, including other lipid-lowering agents and fat-soluble vitamins. Taking colestipol before a meal ensures that it enters the gastrointestinal tract to bind bile acids effectively, optimizing its cholesterol-lowering effects while minimizing potential interactions with other substances.

Moreover, taking it at this time helps to create a barrier in the gut, enabling the absorption of nutrients from food while still facilitating the medication's primary function. Timing colestipol in this way aligns with its mechanism of action and enhances its therapeutic efficacy.