Colestyramine slows gastric emptying of liquids and reduces appetite in healthy subjects

Background There is evidence to suggest that the particulate resin colestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant formerly used as a cholesterol-lowering agent, enhances secretion of the gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Established physiological actions of CCK include inhibition of gastric emptying and induction of satiation. This study evaluated the hypothesis that colestyramine, which is luminally retained, would slow gastric emptying of liquids and suppress appetite in humans. Methods Nine healthy volunteers consumed 500mL liquid test meals containing 4g colestyramine, 12g colestyramine, or control (water alone), on three occasions, in a randomized order. The effect of colestyramine on gastric emptying was determined non-invasively using the 13C-acetate breath test, and appetite and other gut-centered sensations were rated using visual analog scale questionnaires. Key Results Colestyramine dose dependently slowed liquid gastric emptying compared with control (water) (4g vs control, ~20% reduction, P