exchange resins
Last reviewed 01/2018
Drugs include:
- cholestyramine and colestipol
Actions:
- sequester bile acids in the gut and so reduce their reabsorption after
biliary excretion - this prevents their reabsorption and promotes hepatic
conversion of cholesterol into bile acids
- causes an up-regulation of LDL receptors to maintain cholesterol pool
- reduces cholesterol and LDL concentrations
- may increase plasma triglyceride concentration by increasing VLDL - this is particularly the case where triglyceride levels are already raised when exchange resin therapy can result in a substantial increase in plasma triglycerides
- note that exchange resins may decrease folate levels and folate supplementation should be considered in some groups (e.g children, pregnancy)
Contraindications:
- complete biliary obstruction
Side effects include:
- bloating, constipation, heartburn
The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing either of these drugs.