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Triglyceride-Reducing Drugs

Triglycerides are the main type of fat in the bloodstream. They are also the primary source of energy for the body. Calories that are consumed are either used immediately by different parts of the body or turned into triglycerides. A normal triglyceride level is healthy, but elevated levels can cause high cholesterol and heart problems. When diet and exercise alone do not reduce triglyceride levels, medication may help.

  1. Resins

    • The liver uses cholesterol to make the bile that aids in digestion. Resins are a type of bile acid-binding drug. Resins attach to the bile so that it cannot be used in digestion or reabsorbed by the body. Instead, the bile resin combination leaves the body in the form of a bowel movement. As a result, the liver makes more bile in order to continue digestive processes. Since the liver has to use more cholesterol to make the bile, the resin has the effect of lowering the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

    Statins

    • There are two main types of cholesterol: "good" high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and "bad" low-density lipoproteins (LDL), both of which are formed in the body via the liver enzyme HMG-CoA reductase or ingested in the form of certain foods. Statins inhibit that enzyme, which decreases the amount of cholesterol the liver makes. Statins reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDLs. However, the reduction of LDL is usually measurably better than the increase in HDL levels.

    Fibrates

    • Unlike statins, fibrates are not very effective at decreasing LDL levels, but they are effective at increasing HDL levels and lowering triglyceride levels. Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) transport triglycerides through the bloodstream. Fibrates reduce the amount of VLDL created by the liver and they help enzymes break down the triglycerides that are in the blood. They increase the rate at which the body expels triglycerides.

    Niacin

    • Niacin is a B vitamin that can greatly reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels. It blocks the production of VLDL. It stops the liver from turning sugar into triglycerides. It lowers the breakdown of fats, meaning there are fewer fats for the liver to use to create triglycerides. Once niacin raises HDL levels, the HDL cholesterol works to collect the LDL cholesterol, transport it to the liver, and then dispose of it.

    Ezitimibe

    • Ezitimibe is not a drug that is used as much as others because, according to the ENHANCE trial, it may lead to atherosclerosis, in which fatty materials collect on the artery walls and may block the arteries. It is sometimes used as a last resort because it is very effective at lowering LDL levels. Ezitimibe reduces the amount of dietary cholesterol the stomach can absorb.

    Considerations

    • There are risks and rewards for each triglyceride-reducing drug. A doctor can help determine which medication will be the most beneficial for a specific individual. Discuss any pre-existing conditions with a doctor so she can make an informed decision.

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