Anion exchange resins are the oldest substance group of lipid-lowering agents. However, they have lost much of their importance in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia with the introduction of statins, which have better efficacy and a proven improvement in prognosis (reduction in morbidity and mortality).
The other disadvantages are that they are not well suited for people with mixed hyperlipidemia, as they can lead to an increase in triglycerides, as well as possible interactions with the absorption of countless other oral medications, dosage form, administration modalities and gastrointestinal intolerance.
However, anion exchange resins are also important in the development and manufacture of drugs. Their effect on the absorption and bioavailability of drugs is used, among other things, to develop dosage forms with delayed substance release (depot formulations) but also to bind toxic substances and interrupt the entero-hepatic circulation, e.g. in the case of drug intoxication.