Medications for Lowering Your Cholesterol
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Bile Acid Resins

What are they?
     Bile acid resins bind with cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines 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 to increase cholesterol reduction. When these drugs are combined their effects are added together to lower LDL-cholesterol by more than 40 percent. Cholestyramine and colestipol are the two main bile acid resins currently available.

How are they taken?
     Bile acid resins are available as powders or tablets. They are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and 30 years 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 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.

     Although resins are not absorbed, they may interfere with the absorption of other medications if taken at the same time. Talk to your doctor about the best time to take bile acid resins, especially if you take other medications.

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