Bile acid sequestrants work by binding to bile in the intestines. This prevents cholesterol-containing bile acids from being reabsorbed and instead, they are excreted in the stool. The liver then makes more bile, a process that requires it to use cholesterol, further decreasing cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Prescribed as powder or tablets, bile acid sequestrants are mixed with liquids or food. They may prevent other medications from being absorbed, so it's important to schedule your medications as directed by your doctor. The drug is approved for long-term use.
Also known As: resins, bile acid-binding drugs
LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company, provides original and syndicated online lifestyle content. Nancy Larson is a St. Louis-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of local and national print and online publications including CNN.com, The Weather Channel, Health magazine and The Advocate.
