High Cholesterol

Question 1

Background information of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 1

Cholesterol comes from two sources: dietary intake and production by the liver

Question 2

Pharmacology of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 2

Inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is the key enzyme used by the liver to produce cholesterol

Question 3

Indications of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 3

• High cholesterol

Question 4

Side effects of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 4

• Muscle aches/Myopathy
• Liver damage

Question 5

Drug interactions of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 5

Grapefruit, in large amounts, can interfere with the metabolism and elimination of statins, which can cause statins to accumulate in the body

Question 6

T or F: Statins can be taken during pregnancy

Answer 6

FALSE
Statins can cause birth defects and should never be used during pregnancy

Question 7

What type of juice should patients avoid while taking statins?

Answer 7

Grapefruit juice

Question 8

List the brand names and generic names of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Answer 8

Brand Name: Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Livalo, Pravachol, Crestor, Zocor

Generic Name: Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, Pitavastatin, Pravastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin

Question 9

What do generic names of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) end with?

Answer 9

“-statin”

Question 10

Background information of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 10

Cholesterol produced by the liver becomes bile acid, a thick fluid that enters the intestinal tact and aids the absorption of fats

Question 11

Pharmacology of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 11

Bind to cholesterol from bile acid, carrying the cholesterol out of the body during defecation which prevents cholesterol produced by the liver from being reabsorbed/reused

Question 12

Indications of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 12

• High cholesterol

Question 13

Side effects of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 13

• Constipation
• Flatulence (farting)

Question 14

Drug interactions of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 14

Interferes with the absorption of other medications, medications should be taken at different times

Question 15

List the brand names and generic names of Bile Acid Sequestrants

Answer 15

Brand Name: Colestid, Questran, Welchol

Generic Name: Colestipol, Cholestyramine, Colesevelam