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Types of Cholesterol Medications

Cholesterol is a waxy substance the human body needs to produce hormones and vitamin D, build cellular walls and digest fat. Cholesterol moves throughout the body in the bloodstream. An excessive amount of blood cholesterol can result in serious health problems, such as clogged arteries and heart disease. There are several different types of medications commonly prescribed to help patients lower their cholesterol levels.

  1. Statins

    • Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed cholesterol medications. Statins effectively lower cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. This depletes the levels of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes the liver to take cholesterol from the blood. Statins might even help the human body reabsorb cholesterol from the artery walls. Statins are typically better tolerated than other cholesterol medications. Possible side effects include abdominal pain, upset stomach, cramps, gas and constipation.

    Fibrates

    • Fibrates are particularly effective in reducing triglycerides and slightly increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Fibrates reduce triglyceride levels by decreasing the liver's ability to produce very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Because fibrates are not so effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, these cholesterol medications are typically prescribed to patients who have high triglycerides and normal LDL levels. Potential side effects include anemia, diarrhea, upset stomach and an increased risk of developing gallstones.

    Niacin

    • Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, reduces triglycerides by inhibiting the liver's production of both LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Niacin is often prescribed to patients who need to raise HDL cholesterol while lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. While over-the-counter niacin is available, prescribed niacin medications typically have less side effects. Possible side effects include upset stomach, flushing and itching. Niacin can cause toxicity, so most physicians prefer to closely monitor liver functions of cholesterol patients taking niacin medications.

    Resins

    • Resins, often referred to as bile acid binding medications, help to lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile in the digestive track so it cannot be utilized during the digestive process. The liver then responds by producing more bile, which use up more cholesterol. This results in less cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. Resins are often prescribed in combination with statins. Possible side effects include stomach upset, constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, heartburn or dizziness.

    Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

    • Another commonly prescribed cholesterol medication is cholesterol absorption inhibitors. These medications work to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the natural absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While cholesterol absorption inhibitors can be used alone, they are frequently prescribed in combination with statins. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors must be used in addition to dietary changes to significantly lower cholesterol levels. Possible side effects include abdominal pain, joint and back pain, diarrhea, cough and fatigue.

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