Lipid-lowering drugs

Lipid-lowering drugs are a group of medications used to treat hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood) and to prevent cardiovascular disease. They work by reducing the levels of unhealthy lipids, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing the levels of healthy lipids, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Types of Lipid-lowering drugs

There are several types of lipid-lowering drugs, each working in a different way to lower lipid levels in the blood.

• Statins: These are the most commonly prescribed lipid-lowering drugs. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.

• Fibrates: These drugs reduce the production of triglycerides and can increase HDL cholesterol levels.

• Niacin: Also known as vitamin B3, niacin can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol.

• Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs work by binding to bile acids in the intestine, which are then excreted in the stool. This causes the liver to use more cholesterol to produce more bile acids, which reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs work by reducing the amount of dietary cholesterol absorbed by the intestines.

Side Effects

Like all medications, lipid-lowering drugs can have side effects. These can include muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar levels, and neurological side effects like memory loss or confusion. It's important to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor before starting any new medication.

See Also

• Hyperlipidemia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides

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