What is a common effect of bile acid sequestrants?

Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam, work by binding to bile acids in the intestine, which prevents their reabsorption. This process leads to the increased excretion of bile acids and can disrupt normal intestinal function, often resulting in gastrointestinal side effects.

One of the more frequently reported side effects is constipation. These agents can bind bile acids and decrease the amount of bile acids reaching the colon, which can lead to reduced bile acid-induced intestinal motility. Additionally, the binding properties of these medications can affect the overall water content in the stool, contributing to the development of constipation. As a result, patients taking bile acid sequestrants may often find themselves experiencing this particular side effect, which is a direct consequence of the mechanism of action of the medication.

In contrast, diarrhea is not a primary effect associated with bile acid sequestrants. Weight gain and bradycardia are not common or expected side effects of these agents, as they are primarily used to lower lipid levels rather than influence weight or heart rate directly. Hence, the correct identification of constipation aligns well with the pharmacological actions of bile acid sequestrants.