Colesevelam
Colesevelam (pronunciation: koh-les-EV-a-lam) is a type of medication used primarily to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.
Etymology
The name "Colesevelam" is derived from its chemical structure. "Cole" refers to its action on the bile acids, "sev" refers to its sequestering or binding action, and "lam" is a common suffix used in pharmaceutical nomenclature.
Pharmacology
Colesevelam works by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. This forces the liver to use cholesterol to produce more bile acids, which in turn lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. In addition, colesevelam reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from the intestine, which helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Related Terms
Side Effects
Common side effects of colesevelam include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain. Serious side effects are rare, but can include severe constipation, difficulty swallowing, and signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Interactions
Colesevelam can interact with other medications, including certain heart medications, thyroid hormones, and some types of seizure medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking before starting treatment with colesevelam.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Colesevelam
- Wikipedia's article - Colesevelam
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