Bile acid sequestrants

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Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants (pronunciation: /baɪl æsɪd sɪˈkwestrənts/) are a class of drugs that bind to bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent their reabsorption, which can help to lower cholesterol levels.

Etymology

The term "bile acid sequestrants" is derived from the Latin words "bilis" (bile), "acidus" (acid), and "sequestrare" (to sequester or isolate).

Mechanism of Action

Bile acid sequestrants work by binding to bile acids in the intestine. This prevents the bile acids from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream, which in turn reduces the level of cholesterol in the body. This is because bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when they are excreted, the body needs to use up more cholesterol to make new bile acids.

Types of Bile Acid Sequestrants

There are several types of bile acid sequestrants, including:

Each of these drugs works in a similar way, but they may have different side effects and interactions with other drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of bile acid sequestrants include:

If these side effects are severe or do not go away, it is important to contact a healthcare provider.

Interactions

Bile acid sequestrants can interact with other medications, including:

It is important to tell a healthcare provider about all the medications a person is taking before starting treatment with a bile acid sequestrant.

Related Terms

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