Drug Treatment for High Cholesterol

High cholesterol results from a high-fat diet, lack of exercise, excessive weight and/or genetics. Patients with high cholesterol may benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs in combination with a healthful diet and exercise program.

Types

• The most common cholesterol-lowering drugs include statins, niacin, bile-acid resins and fibric acid derivatives. Patients may need to try more than one drug before finding one that works for them.

Function

• Statins block cholesterol from being produced in the liver. Niacin lowers bad LDL cholesterol and raises good HDL cholesterol. Bile acid resins bind to bile in the liver that contains cholesterol to prevent it from being reabsorbed into the body. Fibric acid derivatives increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, the chemical form that contains most fats.

Side Effects

• Cholesterol-lowering medications may cause heartburn, dizziness, abdominal pain, decreased libido and constipation. Patients should discuss any side effects they experience with their doctors.

Considerations

• According to WebMD, men under age 35 and women who have not gone through menopause should try lifestyle changes before resorting to cholesterol-lowering medications. It is important to include exercise and a healthful diet with a drug treatment plan for high cholesterol to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Warnings

• Patients who experience muscle aches while on cholesterol-lowering drugs should seek immediate medical attention, as this may be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Patients should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on medication for high cholesterol, as it can hinder the liver's ability to break down the medication.