How To Treat Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Bile Acid Binding Medication

Bile acid binding medication may be used to help treat the bothersome itchy skin that affects many primary sclerosing cholangitis patients. When bile begins to build up in the blood because something is stopping the body from eliminating it properly, it also begins to accumulate in the skin. There are several ways bile causes itching in the skin, including stimulating the release of histamine by the immune system. In a healthy individual, bile is released through the bile ducts and flows into the small intestine. Once there, bile acids are reabsorbed back into the blood by the small intestine. This normal circulation keeps bile levels in check for individuals who do not have primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Because bile accumulates quickly in patients with this condition, a medication that stops the reabsorption of bile acids in the intestine can be helpful. Bile acid binding medications essentially bind to the bile acids to keep the intestine from reabsorbing them. When bile acids are not absorbed, they exit the body through the stool. This mechanism allows for individuals affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis to eliminate excess bile from their body. When bile levels in the skin decrease back to normal, the skin stops itching.

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