Actions and Spectrum:
colesevelam is a medication primarily used to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and type 2 diabetes. It relates to a category of medications called bile acid sequestrants. Here’s a breakdown of the action and spectrum of colesevelam:
Action:
- Bile Acid Sequestration: colesevelam is not absorbed systemically and remains in the gastrointestinal tract. It generally binds to bile acids in the intestine, forming a complex that is then excreted in the feces. This binding activity leads to an increased clearance of bile acids from the body.
- Cholesterol Lowering: By sequestering bile acids, colesevelam interrupts the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. This stimulates the liver to use more cholesterol to synthesize new bile acids, ultimately reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the blood.
The Spectrum of Use:
- Hyperlipidemia: colesevelam is approved for treating primary hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides). It is typically used as an addition to diet and lifestyle modifications when insufficient statins or not tolerated alone.
- Type 2 Diabetes: colesevelam can be used as an addition to diet and exercise in managing type 2 diabetes. It helps improve glycemic control by reducing postprandial blood glucose levels. It is often prescribed with other antidiabetic medications, such as metformin or sulfonylureas.
