Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

Front 1

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins)
-Atrovastatin (Lipitor), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Simvastatin (Zocor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Back 1

-Block production of cholesterol (decreases LDL and trigycerides, increases HDL)
-GI distress, increase in liver enzymes, rhabdomyolysis (disintergration of striated muscle fibers)
- take @ bedtime (cholesterol synthesized mostly @ night), report muscle tenderness/weakness, concurrent fever, dark red-brown urine

Front 2

Niacin
-Niacin (Nicobid, Nicotinex), Nicotinic acid (Slo-Niacin, Novo-Niacin)

Back 2

-Reduces LDL, increases HDL
-Face flushing, transient headaches, blurred vision, tingling extremities, GI distress, hyperglycemia, othostatic hypotension, elevated homocysteine levels.
- Take with cold water and/or aspirin to reduce flushing, folic acid to treat elevated homocysteine levels

Front 3

Fibric Acid Derivatives
-Fenofibrate (TriCor), Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Back 3

-Reduces cholesterol, LDL, tryglycerides
-GI distress, Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, elevated liver enzymes, decreased libido, impotence
-eat potassium rich foods, report sexual dysfunction

Front 4

Bile-acid Sequestrants
-Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Colesevelam (WelChol)

Back 4

-Reduces cholesterol and LDL in about one week, binds to bile in GI tract
- Altered taste, constipation
-encourage increased fluid and fiber

Front 5

Cholesterol Absorption In hibitor
-Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Back 5

Inhibits cholesterol absorption in small intestine, reduces cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides