Bile Acid Sequestrants

Unknown / Multiple | Bile Acid Sequestrants (Medication)

Desc:

The bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam) are a group of medications used to bind certain components of bile in the gastrointestinal tract. They disrupt the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids by sequestering them and preventing their reabsorption from the gut.

In general, they are classified as hypolipidemic agents, although they may be used for purposes other than lowering cholesterol. They are used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea due to bile acid malabsorption. ...

Side Effect:

Bile acid sequestrants are not without side effects. They may cause:constipation; nausea; bloating; gas. ...

Precaution:

Prior to using this medication tell your doctor if you have any type of allergies. Bile acid sequestrants are rarely taken alone for high cholesterol if you have a medical history of constipation or if you have high triglycerides.

Tell your doctor what other drugs you are taking. Even though bile acid sequestrants aren't absorbed by your body, they can interfere with the absorption of other drugs.

Take your cholesterol medications exactly as your doctor orders. Also, quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and lose weight if you are overweight. Taking all of these steps will help reduce your cholesterol level and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...