<unk>  is part of a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.<unk>  hydrochloride, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Welchol, is a non-absorbed, lipid-lowering polymer that binds bile acids in the intestine, impeding their reabsorption. As the bile acid pool becomes depleted, the hepatic enzyme, cholesterol 7-α-hydroxylase, is upregulated, which increases the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. This causes an increased demand for cholesterol in the liver cells, resulting in the dual effect of increasing transcription and activity of the cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, and increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors. These compensatory effects result in increased clearance of LDL-C from the blood, resulting in decreased serum LDL-C levels. Serum TG levels may increase or remain unchanged. It is not yet known how<unk>  works to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is clear that the drug works within the digestive tract, since it is not absorbed into the rest of the body. Cholesterol Since<unk>  can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (along with raising HDL - "good" cholesterol), taking it may decrease one's risk of developing certain health problems in the future. Previous clinical research studies indicate individuals taking 3,800 mg to 4,500 mg of<unk>  daily were able to: * Reduce LDL cholesterol by 15 to 18 percent. * Reduce total cholesterol by 7 to 10 percent. * Raise HDL cholesterol by 3 percent. The combination of<unk>  with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (known more commonly as a statin) can further lower cholesterol levels.
Colesevelam
Tofisopam
Mitapivat
Orciprenaline
Nicorandil
Eluxadoline
Verapamil
Piribedil