Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile Acid Sequestrants are a class of medications used primarily to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. This process forces the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, thereby reducing the overall cholesterol levels in the body.
These medications are often prescribed for patients with high LDL cholesterol or those who cannot tolerate other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Common examples include cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam. While effective, they may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating or constipation.