Bile acid resins are substances that
bind in the intestines with bile acids that contain cholesterol and
are then eliminated in the stool. The major effect of bile acid
resins is to lower LDL-cholesterol by about 10 to 20 percent. Small
doses of resins can produce useful reductions in LDL-cholesterol.
Bile acid resins are sometimes prescribed with a statin for
patients with heart disease to increase cholesterol reduction. When
these two drugs are combined, their effects are added together to
lower LDL-cholesterol by over 40 percent.
Cholestyramine (brand name: QUESTRAN) and colestipol (COLESTID)
are the two main bile acid resins currently available. These two
drugs are available as powders or tablets. They are not absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract and decades of experience with the resins
indicate that their long-term use is safe.
Bile acid resin powders must be mixed with water or fruit juice and
taken once or twice (rarely three times) daily with meals. Tablets
must be taken with large amounts of fluids to avoid gastrointestinal
symptoms. Resin therapy may produce a variety of symptoms including
constipation, bloating, nausea, and gas.
The bile acid resins are not prescribed as the sole medicine to lower
your cholesterol if you have high triglycerides or a history of
severe constipation.
Although resins are not absorbed, they may interfere with the
absorption of other medicines if taken at the same time. Other
medications therefore should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 to
6 hours after the resin. Talk to your doctor about the best time to
take this medicine, especially if you take other medications.
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