PEBC: What You Need to Know: Bile Sequestarants (Resins)

Examples: Cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam (all bind to bile acids, the precursor to cholesterol)

Indications: reduce LDL cholesterol, diarrhea, biliary itching

Dosing:

-divided doses (once to three times daily) for improved tolerance

-before food (to ensure action at the site of absorption)

Adverse Effects:

-Constipation --> may cause obstruction (drink lots of water and increase fibre)

-Upset stomach, bloating, gas

-minor increase in triglycerides

-rare: hyperchloremic acidosis

Drug Interactions:

-Space medications by at least 4 hours because it can reduce absorption of other medications

-may affect absorption of fat-soluble vitamins