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Medications That Affect Cholesterol Levels

Several medications can affect your cholesterol levels, either as a side effect or intentionally (much like cholesterol-lowering statins). Discuss with your health care provider the medications that might make your cholesterol readings fluctuate.

  1. Statins and Other Cholesterol-lowering Drugs

    • Statins, fibrates and resins are types of medications that may be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. Statins and resins do this by lowering LDL cholesterol, and fibrates lower triglycerides and sometimes raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

    Niacin

    • Vitamin B3 (or niacin) may be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association, niacin pills sold as dietary supplements should not be used to lower cholesterol because supplements are not regulated as closely as the prescription form of niacin.

    Thyroid Medication

    • People with underactive thyroids often experience high triglyceride and total-cholesterol readings. Patients who begin taking thyroid hormone replacement medication often see their cholesterol levels drop as a side effect of treating the thyroid condition.

    Medications That Increase Cholesterol Levels

    • Medications that may increase cholesterol levels as a side effect include Prednisone and other steroids, birth control pills and heavy doses of Vitamin D.

    Other Medications that Decrease Cholesterol Levels

    • Other medications that may decrease cholesterol levels as a side effect are the male hormone androgen, MAO inhibitors, the antibiotic Neomycin and a drug used to treat gout called Colchicine.

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