Lipid Lowering Drugs Flashcards
Classes of lipid lowering drugs
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab)
- Fibrates/ Fibric acid derivatives (fenofibrate, gemfibrozil)
- Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (omacor)
- Bile acid binding resins (cholestyramine)
- Inhibitors of intestinal sterol absorption (ezetimibe)
MOA of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors + name
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the late-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis
-> Reduces cholesterol synthesis
Clinical uses of HMG-CoA inhibitors
- Reducing plasma cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in all types of hyperlipidemias
- Reduce the risk of coronary events and mortality in patients with ischaemic heart disease
Which time of the day is it best to take statins?
Evening, when the body’s main source of cholesterol is from synthesis
Adverse effects of statins
Liver: biomedical abnormalities in liver function
Muscle: myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (protein in muscle is broken down and metabolised)
Examples of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin
MOA of PCSK9 inhibitors + name
Inhibits PCSK9 which targets and degrades LDL receptors in lysosomes
Inhibits PCSK9 → more cell-surface LDL receptors that can bind and internalise circulation LDL → lower plasma LDL
Alirocumab, Evolocumab
Administration of PCSK9 inhibitors?
Monoclonal antibodies: administration only via injection
Clinical uses of PCSK9 inhibitors
- Lowering plasma cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in familial hypercholesterolaemia, especially those intolerant to statins
- In patients with clinically significant atherosclerotic CVD, requiring additional LDL-C lowering after being on diet control and maximally tolerated statin therapy (additive effect on top of statin)
Adverse effects of PCSK9 inhibitors
- Contraindicated in patients who develop hypersensitivity reactions (since it is an antibody)
- Injection site inflammatory reactions
Increase incidence of nasopharyngitis and sinusitis
Examples of PCSK9 inhibitors
Evolocumab, Alirocumab
MOA of Fibrates/Fibric acid derivatives + name
They are ligands for peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha proteins (PPAR-a)
- Interaction with PPAR-a results in increased activity of lipoprotein lipase (LDL)
Increased breakdown of plasma triglycerides → lower levels of VLDL → LDL in plasma decreases
2.Interaction with PPAR-a also results in increased activity of enzymes e.g. CPT1 involved in beta oxidation of FA –> increase beta oxidation –> less FA in the liver –> Less hepatic VLDL produced –> Less LDL
- Increases synthesis of Apolipoproteins on HDL
- Increase synthesis of HDL
Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate
Clinical uses of Fibrates/Fibric acid derivatives
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia with VLDL elevation, especially for dysbetalipoproteinemia
Examples of Fibrates/Fibric acid derivatives
Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate
Adverse effects of Fibrates/Fibric acid derivatives
GI effects
Skin rashes
Gallstones
Myositis