How Does HMG-COA Reductase Inhibit

Otherwise known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

Mechanism of Action
Inhibit the initial enzyme HMG-CoA reductase of the mevalonate pathway which is one of the main factors needed in the production of cholesterol.
Having similar molecular structure to HMG-CoA, they will bind onto the reductase's active site. This will then cause competition with HMG-CoA which will in turn decrease the rate by which HMG-CoA reductase is able to produce mevalonate, the next molecule in the route that eventually produces cholesterol.

Examples
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Simvastatin (Zocor), Lovastatin (Mevacor,Altocor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Fluvastatin (Lescol), Pitavastatin (Livalo) and Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Side effects
Muscle aches, Elevated risk of diabetes