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Cholestyramine

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Structure

  • Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant composed of a cross-linked polymer of divinylbenzene and polyethylene oxide, functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups.

  • Chemical Formula: (C₁₂H₁₅NO)n·Cl⁻

Chemical formula of Cholestyramine



Structure of Cholestyramine
Structure of Cholestyramine

Mode of Action

  • Bile Acid Sequestration: Binds bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption.

  • Cholesterol Reduction: Forces the liver to convert more cholesterol into bile acids, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.

  • LDL-C Lowering: Reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by decreasing hepatic cholesterol synthesis.

Uses of Cholestyramine

  • Hypercholesterolemia: Lowers LDL-C and total cholesterol levels.

  • Pruritus Associated with Cholestasis: Alleviates itching by binding bile acids.

  • Bile Acid Diarrhea: Manages chronic diarrhea caused by bile acid malabsorption.

  • Fibromyalgia: Sometimes used off-label for pain management.


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