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High Cholesterol Medication Facts
With the countless ads for high cholesterol medication, do you really
know any more about them than before these high cholesterol medication
ads started running on television? Sure, you might be able to recall a
few of the most easily recognizable ones, but, do you feel comfortable
with your current level of knowledge about these medications? It is
with this in mind, that this article will focus on not only what
constitutes a high cholesterol medication, but also how it works and
why some drugs are more appropriate for some, but not others.
The most popular medications used to lower cholesterol are known as
Statins. You may recognize them under their trade names more easily,
but their chemical names are fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin,
louvastatin, and atorvastatin. Notice that all compounds end with
statin? That delineates their status as statins. The way that statins
work is by inhibiting the HHG-CoA reductase enzyme. This enzyme is
responsible for controlling the rates of cholesterol production in the
human body. These drugs have been shown to have large reductions in
both heart attack and heart disease mortalities. Due to the positive
effects that the drugs have shown on lowering LDL levels, this class of
medications is still the most prescribed by physicians for their
patients with high cholesterol.
Statins also reduce high triglyceride levels and increase HDL or good
cholesterol levels to a degree. Remember, HDL is known as High Density
Lipoprotein.
How well are Statins tolerated? The great news is that many patients
are able to tolerate the medications quite well. Many experience no
side effects at all. Of those having side effects, most report GI
problems such as upset stomach, constipation, gas and abdominal pain
with cramping. Usually most of these symptoms are mild in nature and go
away after your body gets used to the medication.
Are there any cases of more serious side effects being
reported? As with any high cholesterol medication, there can
be a very small amount of patients who do have serious problems with
the statins. Some of these problems are elevated liver values and
muscle pain, weakness, and soreness. And urine that is dark brown in
nature has been reported and these symptoms should be reported
immediately to your doctor.
What about other drugs that are considered to be a high cholesterol
medication? Well, the next class of high cholesterol medications are
known as Bile Acid Sequestrants. Doesn't sound too appetizing does
it? Despite the name, these medications work by binding with
bile acids that contain cholesterol. This happens in the intestines and
is passed out of the body in the stool. In some cases, doctors
prescribe a Statin drug to work concurrently with your Bile Acid
Sequestrant. The results have been impressive in that LDL levels have
been lowered as much as 40 percent or more, using the combination of
the two types of drugs.Colesevelam, Colestipol, and Cholestryamine are
the three major Bile Acid Sequestrants available at this time. They
come in either powder or tablet forms.
Another type of high cholesterol medication is called Nicotice Acid.
Niacin is the more commonly known name. It is part of the water soluble
vitamins, known as B vitamins. This vitamin has been shown to decrease
lipoprotein levels. The problem is that these dosages are well above
the normal intake levels that most folks take. Therefore, it is
important to be closely monitored by your physician for any side
effects.
We have briefly touched on the current high cholesterol medications.
Each high cholesterol medication has its Pros and Cons. Some
medications work better together, than apart. In the end, it is
important to remember that there is at least one high cholesterol
medication that is available to help you in your fight against high
cholesterol. Consult your family doctor or cardiologist to find out
which high cholesterol medication is right for you.
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