What is the primary mechanism of action for bile acid sequestrants?

The primary mechanism of action for bile acid sequestrants is that they bind bile acids in the intestine. This interaction prevents bile acids from being reabsorbed and recycled back to the liver. As a result, the liver compensates for the loss of bile acids by converting more cholesterol into bile acids, effectively lowering the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. This makes bile acid sequestrants effective lipid-lowering agents, particularly for individuals with high cholesterol levels.

Other mechanisms mentioned, such as inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, lowering triglyceride levels, or blocking absorption of dietary fats, pertain to different classes of lipid-lowering agents or are not the primary actions of bile acid sequestrants. Each of these mechanisms is associated with other medications, such as statins for cholesterol synthesis or fibrates for triglyceride reduction. However, for bile acid sequestrants specifically, their pivotal role lies in the binding of bile acids, which triggers the liver's use of cholesterol.