Drugs for Lipid Disorders Flashcards
List of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin
- Lovastatin
- Pitavastatin
- Pravastatin
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
List of Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) drugs
Niacin
List of Fibric Acid Derivatives (fibrates)
- Fenofibrate
- Gemfibrozil
List of bile acid sequestrants (resins)
- Cholestyramine
- Colesevelam
- Colestipol
List of cholesterol absorption inhibitors
Ezetimibe (Zetia)
List of New Treatments
- Lomitapide
- Mipomersen
- Evolocumab, alirocumab
Most effective agents in reducing LDL levels and best tolerated class of lipid lowering agents
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
What is the mechanism of action for statins?
statins are structural analogs of HMG-CoA (initial precursor of
cholesterol) and inhibit MHG-CoA reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis; inhibiting de novo cholesterol synthesis depletes the intracellular supply of cholesterol, which causes the cell to increase the number of specific cell-surface LDL receptors that can bind and internalize circulating LDLs; increased expression of surface LDL receptors reduces circulating LDL levels
List the potency of drugs for statins
atorvastatin = rosuvastatin > simvastatin > pitavastatin = lovastatin = pravastatin > fluvastatin
What are the therapeutic benefits to statins?
- plaque stabilization
- improvement of coronary endothelial function
- inhibition of platelet thrombus formation
- anti-inflammatory effects
- Statins are also effective in lowering plasma cholesterol levels in all types of hyperlipidemias
Are statins usually take alone or in combination with something else?
Used alone or with resins, niacin, or ezetimibe
What time would you take a statin?
Primarily taken at night (cholesterol synthesis occurs predominantly at night) except the longer-acting atorvastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin)
What is the function of Niacin?
Decreases TGs, LDL, Lp(a); increases HDL
What is the mechanism of action for Niacin?
inhibits the lipolysis of triglycerides in adipose tissue (the primary producer of circulating free fatty acids); by reducing circulating free fatty acids, the liver produces less VLDL and LDL levels decrease; catabolic rate for HDL is decreased; fibrinogen levels are reduced and tissue plasminogen activator levels are increased
What is the most common side effect of niacin?
- An intense cutaneous flush
accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of warmth that occurs after each dose when drug is started or when the dose is increased (aspirin taken before niacin or once-daily ibuprofen can mitigate the flushing, which is prostaglandin-mediated); - pruritus, rashes, dry skin or mucous membranes, and ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS
What are some contraindications for Niacin?
- Avoid in patients with hepatic disease or active peptic ulcer
- Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus due to niacin- induced insulin resistance, which can cause hyperglycemia (patients with insulin resistance often show signs of acanthosis nigricans due to elevated insulin levels)
- Can elevate uric acid levels