What is the role of bile acid sequestrants in therapy and common adverse effects?

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Multiple Choice

What is the role of bile acid sequestrants in therapy and common adverse effects?

Bile acid sequestrants lower LDL-C by binding bile acids in the intestinal lumen. This prevents reabsorption of bile acids, so the liver must make more using cholesterol. That drop in hepatic cholesterol leads to upregulation of LDL receptors and more clearance of LDL from the blood, lowering LDL-C. Common adverse effects are mainly in the gut—GI upset, constipation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. They can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and many drugs, so dosing timing relative to other meds is important. These drugs don’t primarily raise HDL or lower triglycerides, don’t inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and don’t increase intestinal cholesterol absorption.

Bile acid sequestrants lower LDL-C by binding bile acids in the intestinal lumen. This prevents reabsorption of bile acids, so the liver must make more using cholesterol. That drop in hepatic cholesterol leads to upregulation of LDL receptors and more clearance of LDL from the blood, lowering LDL-C.

Common adverse effects are mainly in the gut—GI upset, constipation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. They can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and many drugs, so dosing timing relative to other meds is important. These drugs don’t primarily raise HDL or lower triglycerides, don’t inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and don’t increase intestinal cholesterol absorption.

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