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