bile acid sequestrants
Bile acid sequestrants are medications that help lower cholesterol levels in the body. They work by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their reabsorption. This process forces the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, which can reduce overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
These medications are often prescribed for patients with high cholesterol or those who cannot tolerate other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Common examples of bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol. They are usually taken in powder form mixed with water or food.