Lipid Lowering Agents Flashcards
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
DECREASE LDL CHOLESTEROL, mildly increase HDL, mildly decrease triglycerides.
Inhibit conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a cholesterol precursor.
Side effects:
- Hepatotoxicity (increase LFTs).
- Rhabdomyolysis (especially when used with fibrates and niacin).
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
INCREASE HDL. Mildly decrease LDL, mildly decrease triglycerides.
Inhibits lipolysis in adipose tissue, reduces hepatic VLDL synthesis.
Side effects: Red, flushed face, which is decreased by aspirin or long-term use.
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperuricemia (exacerbates gout)
Remember: sweet, flushed, lips
Bile acid resins
Cholestyramine, cholestipol, colesevelam.
Decrease LDL, slightly increase LDL, slightly INCREASE triglycerides.
Prevents intestinal re-absorption of bile acids; liver must use cholesterol to make more. Inhibits