Bile Acid Sequestrants (synthetic resins)

Bile acid sequestrants, also known as resins, are a group of medicines which include colestipol and colestyramine (also known as cholestyramine).

• They act by binding bile, which is released from the gall bladder into the intestine to help digest foods. They prevent the re-absorption of bile acids back into the body, causing the body’s bile acid level to drop. The liver converts cholesterol to more bile acid to compensate, hence reducing LDL- cholesterol levels.

• Because bile acid sequestrants can also bind fat soluble vitamins and prevent their uptake by the body, it may be necessary to take a supplement of vitamin A, D and K whilst taking bile acid sequestrants.

• It is also recommended that any other medication is taken at least one hour before or 4–6 hours after taking bile acid sequestrants.

These are sometimes prescribed in combination with a statin to increase cholesterol reduction. Sequestrant therapy may produce a variety of symptoms, including constipation, bloating, nausea, and gas

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