Cholesterol Medications

Question 1

aging, African American, hypertension, smoking, low HDL

Answer 1

erisks factors for high cholesterol

diabetes can all be a risk factor

Question 2

diet, exercise, weight control, smoking cessation

Answer 2

theraputic lifesytle changes

first line of defense for high cholesterol

Question 3

decrease LDL by lowering the number of LDL receptors on the liver cells

Answer 3

“statin” drugs

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which is used by the live to produce cholesterol

Question 4

normal level for HDL cholesterol

Answer 4

over 60mg/dL

a low HDL increase the risk for art

Question 5

first drug classificaiton to treat hyperlipidema

Answer 5

HGM-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Question 6

Mevacor is the brand name for

Answer 6

lovastatin

Question 7

Pravachol is the brand name for

Answer 7

pravastatin

Question 8

Zocor is the brand name for

Answer 8

simvastatin

Question 9

Lipitor is the brand name for

Answer 9

Atorvastatin

Question 10

Normal lab level for triglycerides

Answer 10

less than 150mg/dL

150-199 borderline high, 200-499 high, over 500 is very high

Question 11

normal lab value of LDL cholesterol

Answer 11

under 100mg/dL is optimal

LDL should be between 60mg/dL and 130mg/dL

Question 12

mild GI disturbances, rash, headache, myopathy, new onset of diabetes are adverse reactions with this drug class

Answer 12

adverse effects of statin drugs

Question 13

rhabdomyolysis

Answer 13

severe reaction to statins

intense mucles pain, weakness, dark urine, fever, n/v, increase in CPK, AST, ALT and lactic acid

Question 14

Avoid grapefruit juice with this drug classification

Answer 14

statin drugs

Question 15

drug to drug interactions for statins

Answer 15

drugs the inhibit CYP3A4, oral anticoagulations, other lipid-lowering drugs except bile-acid sequestrants

ex of CYP3A4: Amiodrane, antifungals that end in “azole”; Warfarin (monitor INR levels),

Question 16

Hepatotoxicity

Answer 16

damage to the liver. Statin drugs can cause this issue.

get baseline hepatic function & repeat yearly, educate patient about sign/symptoms of liver failure

Question 17

this statin should be taken with the evening meal or at bedtime

Answer 17

atorvastin (Lipitor)

one of the most common statins, all other statins can be taken at any time of the day

Question 18

second drug classificaiton to treat hyperlipidema

Answer 18

bile acid sequestrants

Question 19

this drug class prevents reabsorption of bile acids

Answer 19

bile acid sequestrants

bile acids are needed for the absorption of cholesterol

Question 20

when taking this drug, all other medication should be taken 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after

Answer 20

bile acid sequestrants

Question 21

high doses of bile sequestrant drugs decrease the absorption this types of vitamins

Answer 21

fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K)

Question 22

constipation, heartburn, nausea, belching, bloating are adverse reactions with this drug class

Answer 22

bile acid sequestrants

Question 23

cholestyramine, colesevelam and colestipol are generic drugs for this drug class

Answer 23

bile acid sequestrants

cholestryamine (Questran), colesevelam (Welchol) and colestipol (Colestid)

Question 24

gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor) are this type of cholesterol lowering medicaiton

Answer 24

Fibric Acid Derivatives

Question 25

this drug class raises the HDL level while still lowering the total cholesterol and LDL

Answer 25

Fibric Acid Derivatives ## Footnote gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor)

Question 26

this drug class is contradicted for patients who have severe liver or kidney disease, cirrhosis, or gallbladder disease

Answer 26

Fibric Acid Derivatives ## Footnote gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor)

Question 27

these drugs can cause an increase in anticoagulant effects

Answer 27

gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor) ## Footnote Patients who take warfarin need to monitor their PT and INR levels closely and may need to decrease the amount of warfarin

Question 28

increase risk of gallstones, headaches, prolonged PT, increase in liver enzymes, and blurry vision are adverse effects of this drug class

Answer 28

Fibric Acid Derivatives ## Footnote gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor)

Question 29

this drug blocks cholesterol absorption in the small intestine

Answer 29

ezetimibe (Zetia) ## Footnote this drug has a long half life of 22 hours, so if the liver is not functioning well, the medication will remain in the system longer

Question 30

this drug needs to be used with caution in patients who have liver issues ## Footnote think about what patients have liver issues

Answer 30

ezetimibe (Zetia) ## Footnote an alcoholic is a patient who should aviod this drug

Question 31

these herbal products help reduce cholesterol

Answer 31

garlic, flax, and omega-3 fatty acids

Question 32

this anticoagulation medication has potential interactions with some cholesterol lowering medications and herbal products

Answer 32

warfarin (Coumadin)

Question 32

this herbal product has adverse effects of dermatitis, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting, and antiplatele activity

Answer 32

garlic

Question 32

this herbal product interacts with antidiabetic drugs and anticoagulant drugs

Answer 32

flax seed and flax oil

Question 32

belching, a rash, and allergic reactions can occur with this herbal medication

Answer 32

omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil products)

Question 33

jaundice

Answer 33

yellowing of the skin seen in patients who have liver damage ## Footnote Jaudince is a late stage of liver damage, educate patients about RUQ pain, changes in color in urine and stools, edema, chronic fatigue, and loss of appetite