Medicines known as bile acid binders can help manage excessive bile. Examples include colestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam.
Bile Acid Binders: Medications to Reduce Bile
Bile acid binders are medications that help reduce the amount of bile acids in the body. These medications work by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This can help alleviate symptoms associated with excess bile, such as itching or diarrhea.
Common Bile Acid Binders
According to the provided reference, the following are examples of bile acid binders:
- Colestyramine: This is often the first-line treatment and is usually very effective.
- Colestipol: An alternative bile acid binder.
- Colesevelam: Colesevelam has demonstrated efficacy when colestyramine treatment proves unsuccessful.
How They Work
Bile acid sequestrants, such as those listed above, work in the digestive system. They bind to bile acids, preventing their absorption. The body then eliminates the bile acid-binder complex through the feces, which lowers the total amount of bile acids in the body.
When Are They Used?
Bile acid binders are typically prescribed to help manage conditions such as:
- Pruritus (itching): Itching caused by the build-up of bile acids in the skin.
- Diarrhea: Bile acid malabsorption can cause diarrhea, which these medications can help control.
