Cholesterol medications part 1 - statins (week 6) Flashcards
What is the brand name of atorvastatin?
Lipitor
What is the brand name of atorvastatin/amiodipine?
Caduet
What is the brand name of ezetimibe/simvastatin?
Vytorin
What is the brand name of lovastatin?
Mevacor, Altoprev
What is the brand name of pravastatin?
Pravachol
What is the brand name of rosuvastatin?
Crestor
What is the brand name of simvastatin?
Zocor
Statins are also known as
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
What is cholesterol?
waxy substance ingested from dietary sources and synthesized by the liver
What are triglycerides associated with?
eating
What are lipoproteins?
complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids throughout the body
Which cholesterol is “bad”?
LDLs - lead to fatty plaque build up -restricted blood flow and cardiovascular disease risk
Which cholesterol is “good”?
HDLs - remove cholesterol from arteries and prevent deposits
What is dyslipidemia?
a risk factor for cardiovascular disease characterized by low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL
What do drugs for dyslipidemia usually target?
target cholesterol synthesis in the form of elevated LDLs - enhance clearance of buildup
What are the FDA-approved indications for statins?
hyperlipidemia (high LDL), primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, familial hypercholesterolemia
What are the adverse effects associated with statins?
muscle aches/pains (myalgias and rhabdomyolysis), elevated liver enzymes and elevated blood glucose
What are myalgias?
pain in muscle or group of muscles
What is rhabdomyolysis?
destruction of striated muscle cells
What drugs affect statins?
Gemfibrozil, warfarin, CCBs, macrolide antibiotics
What is the boxed warning for statins?
no boxed warning
What are the contraindications for statins?
pregnancy and lactation
What are some cautions for statin use?
hepatic impairment/heavy alcohol consumption, diabetes (due to elevated glucose levels)
What are the clinical pearls for statins?
drug interactions are least likely with hydrophilic statins and patients can try different statins if they experience muscle pain
