Bile acid sequestrant

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Bile Acid Sequestrant

Bile acid sequestrants (pronunciation: /baɪl æsɪd sɪˈkweɪstrənt/) are a class of drugs that bind to bile acid in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent its reabsorption. They are primarily used to treat hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol.

Etymology

The term "bile acid sequestrant" is derived from the Latin words "bilis" (bile), "acidus" (acid), and "sequestrare" (to sequester or isolate). This reflects the drug's function of isolating bile acids to prevent their reabsorption.

Mechanism of Action

Bile acid sequestrants work by binding to bile acids in the intestine. This prevents the bile acids from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream, which in turn lowers the level of cholesterol in the body. This is because bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when they are excreted rather than reabsorbed, the body must use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, thereby reducing the overall level of cholesterol in the body.

Related Terms

  • Cholesterol: A type of fat found in the blood. High levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease.
  • Bile Acid: A substance produced by the liver that helps with the digestion and absorption of fats.
  • Hypercholesterolemia: A condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
  • Gastrointestinal Tract: The part of the body that includes the stomach and intestines, where digestion takes place.

Usage

Bile acid sequestrants are often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins. They can also be used alone in patients who cannot tolerate other types of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of bile acid sequestrants include constipation, bloating, and gas. Less common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

External links

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