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Bile acid resins
SummaryBile acid resins are a type of cholesterol-reducing drug, medications that lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides. Other types of cholesterol reducing drugs include statins, fibrates and nicotinic acid. The main goal of these medications is to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels by 10 to 20 percent. Bile acid resins may also be prescribed in addition to other cholesterol-reducing medications to further reduce LDL levels. High levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and other heart-related conditions. The liver takes cholesterol out of the blood to make bile. Bile acid resins prevent the recycling of bile acids in the intestine, so the liver is forced to remove more cholesterol from the blood in order to manufacture more bile. Bile acid resins are usually in powder form (which is then mixed with liquid to be taken) or in a chewable bar. While bile acid resins are not absorbed by the body, they may interfere with the absorption of other substances, including other medications and some vitamins. Patients are encouraged to inform their physicians of any other over-the-counter or prescription medications they may be taking before beginning their bile acid resins therapy. In addition, patients may wish to ask their physicians about taking multivitamins or supplements to provide extra nutrients that the bile acid resins may prevent from being fully absorbed. Certain types of these medications (e.g., cholestyramine) are also used to lessen symptoms of patients with liver disease. These medications remove excess bile acids that have built up due to disorders of the liver. The build-up of bile acids can cause symptoms such as severe itching. Other strategies for improving cholesterol ratios can be found by clicking Increasing HDL Cholesterol or Lowering LDL Cholesterol. About bile acid resinsBile acid resins are a type of cholesterol-reducing drug, medications that lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Other types of cholesterol reducing drugs include statins, fibrates and nicotinic acid. All are commonly used to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). Bile acid resins work because the liver takes cholesterol out of the blood to make bile (the word cholesterol is Greek for “bile solids”). Bile acid resins prevent the recycling of bile acids in the intestine, so the liver is forced to remove more cholesterol from the blood in order to manufacture more bile. Bile acid resins are usually taken in powder form or in a chewable bar. Some of these medications (cholestyramine) are also used to lessen certain symptoms of patients with liver disease. Liver disease can cause a build-up of bile acids, resulting in symptoms such as severe itching. A build-up of bile acids can also lead to diarrhea, which may be treated with a bile acid resin (colestipol). In addition, some bile acids resins (cholestyramine, colestipol) may be used to treat an overdose of the inotropic medication digitalis or for patients with too much of a substance called oxalate in their urine. While all cholesterol-lowering drugs are effective to some degree in lowering blood fat levels, statins are considered the first line of defense. Unlike statin and fibrates, however, bile acid resins are not absorbed by the body. They are therefore an option for patients for whom other cholesterol-reducing medications are not recommended (e.g., during pregnancy). The main goal of these medications is to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels by 10 to 20 percent. Bile acid resins may also be prescribed in addition to other cholesterol-reducing medications to further reduce LDL levels. When combined, for instance, with statins, LDL levels may be reduced by 40 percent or more. Examples of these medications include:
* NOTE: Colesevelam is technically not a bile acid resin. However, the method by which this medication lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood is very similar to that of bile acid resins. Therefore, colesevelam is often grouped with bile acid resins when discussing cholesterol-reducing medication options.
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cholestyramine colestipol 
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