What are the lipid-lowering medications?
Disease description:
I'm still young, but my blood lipids are extremely high. My doctor told me that I must take lipid-lowering medications long-term. What are the available lipid-regulating drugs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
There are various types of lipid-lowering medications, mainly including the following categories:
1. Fibrates: These medications primarily reduce lipid levels by inhibiting the synthesis and absorption of triglycerides while enhancing their metabolism and excretion. Commonly used fibrates include fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, and bezafibrate.
2. Statins: These are currently the most commonly used lipid-lowering drugs in clinical practice. They reduce lipid levels by inhibiting the activity of cholesterol-synthesizing enzymes, thereby decreasing cholesterol synthesis and absorption. Common statins include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin.
3. Other lipid-lowering medications: In addition to the major categories mentioned above, other drugs such as cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g., ezetimibe), PCSK9 inhibitors, and fish oil preparations can also be used to regulate lipid levels. These medications each have unique mechanisms of action and indications.
All medications should be used according to medical advice, with selection and adjustment based on the patient's specific condition.
