Bile acid sequestrant Flashcards
1
Q
What is an example of a bile sequestrant?
A
Cholestyramine
2
Q
What are indications for cholestyramine use?
A
- Pruritis from a biliary cause
- Diarrhoea associated with Crohn’s disease
- Ileal resection or vagotomy
3
Q
Whats the mechanism of action of cholestyramine?
A
Cholestyramine is a resin. It is not absorbed or broken down in the gut. It binds bile salts to form an insoluble molecule that is excreted in faeces. The reduction in circulating bile salts causes a reduction in tissue bile salt deposition which reduces pruritis.
Cholestyramine also acts as a lipid-lowering agent. To compensate for the reduction in bile salts, the body converts cholesterol in the liver into more bile salts.
4
Q
What are adverse reactions of cholestyramine?
A
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Prolonged PT
- Intestinal obstruction
5
Q
A
