Lipid-Lowering Agents

Question 1

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Answer 1

Atorvastatin

Indications: Adjunct to diet in the treatment of elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL to increase HDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

Treatment of boys and postmenarchal girls age 10 to 17 years with familial HC and two or more risk factors for CAD.

Prevention of CAD in adults without clinically evident heart disease but with multiple risk factors to reduce the risk or CV events.

Question 2

Atorvastatin Actions

Answer 2

Inhibits HMG-CoA, cuasing a decrease in serum cholesterol levels, LDLs, and triglycerides and an increase in HDL levels

Question 3

Atorvastatin adverse effects

Answer 3

rhabdomylolysis with acute renal failure
constipation
cramps

Category X, any allergy to statins fungal byproducts or compounds, active liver disease or a history of alcoholic liver disease

Question 4

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Answer 4

Ezetimibe
Indications: adjunct to diet and exercise to lower serum cholesterol levels; in combination with atorvastatin for treatmeant of hypercholesterolemia

With diet for the the treatment of homozygous sitosterolemia to lower sitosterol and campesterol levels.

Actions: Works in the brush border of the small intestine to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol.

Question 5

Ezetimibe adverse effects:

Answer 5

Upper respiratory tract infection
back pain
myalgia
arthralgia

Don’t give with antacids