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Types of Cholesterol Medicine

High blood cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks. For some people, a combination of a low-fat diet and exercise can be effective in reducing cholesterol. For others, it may be necessary to take a cholesterol-reducing medication. What follows is a look at five types of drugs that are used to lower cholesterol.

  1. Statins

    • Statins are the most frequently prescribed cholesterol medications. They primarily work to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood known as LDL by increasing the liver's ability to remove it. Side effects are uncommon, but when they do occur they are typically mild and involve different forms of gastronomical distress. Statins are taken once per day and include medicines such as Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor.

    Bile Acid Sequestrants

    • Bile acid sequestrants are often prescribed to work in tandem with statins to lower cholesterol in people with heart issues. They work by attaching to bile acids that produce cholesterol in the intestines, then are excreted from the body. As with statins, side effects may include stomach distress or constipation. They are taken in pill form or as a powder that is mixed with water. Common brands are WelChol, Prevalite and Cholestid.

    Fibrates

    • Fibrates primarily work by reducing triglycerides, which are units in the body that store fat. They can also increase HDL, which is referred to as "good" cholesterol. Fibrates are taken twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Side effects are rare, but may occur in the form of gastronomical distress. The most common fibrate prescribed is Lopid.

    Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

    • As the name implies, these work by preventing the absorption of cholesterol . When used on their own, they can reduce LDL by 18 to 20 percent. They are also sometimes combined with statins when an increased dosage of statins has resulted in the occurrence of side effects. The most prevalent of these drugs is Zetia, which is taken once a day.

    Nicotinic Acid

    • Nicotinic Acid is also known as niacin, one of the forms of Vitamin B. Nicotinic acid can lower LDL and raise HDL, as well as reduce triglycerides. It is typically taken in low doses initially, with the dosage gradually being raised over time. Since niacin is available without a prescription, there may be a tendency for some people to self-medicate, which could lead to the onset of serious side effects such as liver problems, gout and elevated blood sugar levels.

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