What are the medications for lowering cholesterol?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, cholesterol-lowering medications mainly include statins, fibrates, niacin, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. In summary, there are various drugs available for lowering cholesterol. When elevated serum cholesterol is detected, these medications should be selected under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Generally, cholesterol-lowering medications mainly include statins, fibrates, niacin derivatives, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Statins
Examples include rosuvastatin calcium tablets, simvastatin tablets, and atorvastatin calcium tablets. These are cholesterol-lowering drugs that can significantly reduce serum cholesterol levels. However, they may cause adverse reactions such as abnormal liver function and rhabdomyolysis.
2. Fibrates
Examples include fenofibrate capsules and bezafibrate tablets. These drugs can lower serum triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Possible side effects include abnormal liver function and myositis. Patients should maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid animal offal, seafood, fatty meats, fried foods, and similar items.
3. Niacin Derivatives
Examples include niacin tablets and acipimox capsules. These medications affect fat synthesis, thereby reducing cholesterol levels. After taking these drugs, some adverse reactions may occur, such as facial flushing, skin itching, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sweating. Patients should rest adequately and avoid staying up late.
4. Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Available medications include ezetimibe tablets and probucol tablets. These drugs lower cholesterol by reducing intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol and inhibiting bile acid reabsorption. Patients should adhere to a low-fat diet while taking these medications.
5. PCSK9 Inhibitors
Examples include evolocumab injection and alirocumab injection. These drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in protein transport mechanisms, increasing the expression of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, thereby promoting the clearance of LDL cholesterol.
In summary, various medications are available for lowering cholesterol. However, because patients differ in their individual conditions, the appropriate drug choice varies accordingly. When elevated serum cholesterol is detected, patients should consult a qualified physician to determine the most suitable medication for treatment.
