Bile Acid Sequestrants
Start with the big picture
These agents bind bile acids in the gut and prevent their reabsorption. As the bile acid pool falls, the liver uses cholesterol to make more bile acids and increases LDL receptor activity, lowering plasma LDL. HDL may rise slightly, while triglycerides can increase, making patient selection important. The lesson connects these lipid effects with clinical roles, including use alone in mild isolated hypercholesterolemia or alongside other lipid-lowering agents. It also covers gastrointestinal tolerability, interference with absorption of some medicines and fat-soluble vitamins, and practical administration measures. Comparing powdered resins with tablet-form colesevelam helps frame differences in dosage form and selected interactions.
What you'll learn
- Identify the three bile acid sequestrants covered in this topic.
- Explain how bile acid binding leads to lower plasma LDL.
- Describe their effects on LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
- Recognize clinical uses, contraindications, adverse effects, and key interactions.
- Summarize administration and tolerability considerations.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
