colesevelam

Colesevelam is an oral bile acid sequestrant used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hyperlipidemia and in pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It is also indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Colesevelam works by binding bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. This depletion of bile acids leads to increased conversion of cholesterol into bile acids in the liver, upregulation of hepatic LDL receptors, and enhanced clearance of LDL-C from the blood. The drug was originally developed by GelTex Pharmaceuticals and later acquired by Genzyme; it is marketed under several brand names including Welchol (Daiichi Sankyo) and Cholestagel (Genzyme)[1][5][7].

Brand names

WelcholCholestagelLodalisColesevelam Hydrochloride

Other names

colesevelam