Medications to Treat High Cholesterol

Millions of Americans suffer from high cholesterol, and both the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic say that widely-available cholesterol medications are well-tolerated by patients and may have a significant impact on cholesterol levels. Cholesterol medications come in many different forms, though most are pills that are taken orally. These medications may be used in combination for better effectiveness and, in tandem with a low-fat diet, may lower cholesterol by up to 50 percent.

Statins

• Widely acknowledged as the most effective medications to control cholesterol, statins are available by prescription. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, statins are sold under the following brand names: Altoprev, Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor. As a class, these medications act to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. They may also slightly raise HDL levels (good cholesterol). Statins have few side effects, though the Mayo Clinic lists constipation, cramps, diarrhea, muscle soreness, pain or weakness, nausea and stomach pain as possible side effects. The Mayo Clinic also recommends avoiding grapefruit juice while taking statins.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

• As an alternative to statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors are available under the brand name Zetia. According to the American Heart Association, these drugs effectively lower LDL and triglycerides while slightly raising HDL levels by keeping cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The Mayo Clinic notes fatigue, muscle soreness and stomach pains as possible side effects with Zetia.

Fibrates

• Yet another alternative is fibrates, which are sold under the brand names Lofibra, Lopid and TriCor. This class of medications effectively lowers triglyceride levels and may raise HDL levels, but has little to no effect on LDL levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Possible side effects with these medications are gallstones, nausea and stomach pain. According to the American Heart Association, fibrates are the most effective way to lower triglycerides, and are often used as a maintenance drug after LDL levels have been lowered.

Niacin

• Considered the best natural alternative for treatment of cholesterol, niacin is available in prescription and non-prescription forms. The American Heart Association states that niacin "works in the liver by affecting the production of blood fats." According to the Mayo Clinic, Niaspan is available by prescription and Slo-Niacin is available over the counter. Both are effective in lowering LDL and triglyceride levels while slightly raising HDL levels. Common side effects of niacin are diarrhea, facial/neck flushing, gout, high blood sugar, nausea, peptic ulcers and vomiting.

Resins

• According to the American Heart Association, resins, also known as bile acid-binding drugs, may help to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 20 percent. These drugs bind to bile during digestion. The liver uses cholesterol to produce bile, so as the liver produces more bile, it uses more cholesterol. There is then less cholesterol left to circulate in your body. Resins are sold under the brand names Cholestid, L-Cholest, Prevalite, Questran and Welchol. Side effects for these medications may be bloating, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, heartburn, gas or stomach irritation.

Combination Medications

• There are two prescription medications available that combine statins with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Vytorin is a combination statin and inhibitor, and Advicor combines niacin with statins. The Mayo Clinic says both are effective at lowering LDL and triglyceride levels while slightly raising HDL levels. Side effects for each would be all of the statin side effects, though you may also experience chills, dizziness, facial/neck flushing, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or sweating when taking Advicor.