What are bile acid sequestrants?
bile acid sequestrants are drugs that bind bile acid in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the intestine to reabsorb acids. In doing so, they help reduce LDL cholesterol LDL, the so -called "bad" cholesterol. Gallic acid sequestrants can also slightly increase the levels of "good" cholesterol, known as HDL. The general names of these drugs include cholestyramine and colesevelam. They are sold under a brand such as Questran®, Welchol ™ and Colestid & Reg:.
These drugs work to reduce cholesterol because the body uses cholesterol to produce bile acids. When the sequestrants of bile acid acids are collected, they prevent the body from re -use of bile acids. As a result, the body must produce more bile acids and when using cholesterol to do so. This in turn lowers LDL cholesterol.
When taking by prescribing, bile acid sequestrants can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10 to 25 percent when increasingHDL cholesterol levels by 3 to 5 percent. These drugs are often prescribed in conjunction with statins reducing cholesterol to increase the effects of both drugs. In combination, these two drugs can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 50 percent.
Although the sequestrant of bile acids are considered safe for long -term use, they can cause some unpleasant side effects. Possible effects include flatulence, feeling full of stomach, nausea, gas and constipation. These side effects relate to the way in which the drug works in the gastrointestinal tract. Some side effects can be alleviated by adding additional fiber to the diet and regular exercise. Sequential drugs can also reduce the absorption of certain vitamins, so for people who take sequestrants, vitamin supplements may be necessary.
Another potential side effect of these drugs is that they can increase triglyceum rides. Triglyceridy are the type of fatty acid found in the blood. In small quantities they are essential for good health, but in large quantities are considered to be a risk factor for coronary arteries. For this reason, some people with high levels of triglycerides may not be able to use drugs of bile acid acid.
bile acid sequestrants can reduce the absorption of other types of drugs, including digoxin, diurectic, synthetic thyroid hormones and blood thinners such as warfarin. Therefore, these drugs can become less effective if used simultaneously as sequestrants. For this reason, people who use sequestrants, among other medicines, are recommended to take additional medicines either one hour before or four hours after the sequestrant.