Bile acid binding agents (BABAs) are drugs that are primarily used to decrease cholesterol levels in those who have high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.These medicines function within the digestive tract, interacting with bile acids to minimize cholesterol absorption and, as a result, improve lipid profiles. Bile acids are necessary for digestion because they aid in the breakdown and absorption of lipids. These bile acids are reabsorbed in the intestine after assisting digestion and recycled back to the liver via enterohepatic circulation.BABAs disrupt this process by creating complexes that cannot be absorbed by binding to bile acids in the colon. As a result, these complexes are expelled from the body via feces, causing the liver to use more cholesterol to manufacture new bile acids, ultimately lowering blood cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine, one of the most regularly utilized BABAs, is available in powder or resin form to be mixed with fluids for oral ingestion. Colesevelam and colestipol are two more BABAs that work in the same way as cholestyramine but have different dose regimens and tolerance profiles. These medicines are frequently administered to people with hypercholesterolemia or at risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when other cholesterol-lowering therapies, such as statins, are ineffective or insufficient. To achieve optimal cholesterol management, they can be taken as monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs. Cholestyramine, one of the most commonly used BABAs, is available in powder or resin form for oral administration. Colesevelam and colestipol are two more BABAs that operate similarly to cholestyramine but with differing dosing regimens and tolerance profiles. These medications are routinely prescribed to persons who have hypercholesterolemia or are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, particularly when other cholesterol-lowering therapy, such as statins, are ineffective or insufficient. They can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications to achieve optimal cholesterol management.
