How Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Work
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Purpose
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Healthy eating and exercise are your first defense against high cholesterol. When they fail, a variety of medications are available. The purpose of the medications is to decrease your LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and your triglycerides and increase your HDL or "good" cholesterol. You may need to take more than one or several types of cholesterol-lowering drugs as determined by your physician. Safe cholesterol levels in the blood are essential to maintain a healthy heart. There are different groups of drugs on the market today such as statins, bile acid-blocking resins, fibrates and niacin combinations.
Types
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Statins are one of the more common groups of medications prescribed regularly. According to the Mayo Clinic, statins lower your cholesterol by not allowing your body to reabsorb some of the plaque in your circulatory system that causes blockage of blood flow. They are also beneficial in blocking your ability to make cholesterol in the liver. Statins can cause diarrhea or constipation, cramps, stomach pain and soreness and may interact adversely with grapefruit juice.
Bile acid blocking resins work in the intestine by inhibiting bile from being reabsorbed into the system. Bile is made from cholesterol, so lowering the amount of cholesterol in the body may be beneficial in reaching your goal. The drawback with this group of drugs is that it may increase triglyceride levels and cause constipation, gas and bloating.
Fibrates are used for increasing HDL levels--the good cholesterol--and reducing triglyceride levels. It also blocks absorption in the intestines. Nausea, gallstones and stomach pain are common side effects from fibrates.
Niacin combined with laropiprant has been successful in breaking down proteins in the body that carry fats such as LDL and triglycerides in the bloodstream. With less fats being carried in the bloodstream, bad cholesterol levels may be lowered. Niacin by itself presents the problem of "flushing" or a temporary redness and burning sensation of the skin.
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Individual Needs
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Cholesterol drug needs vary with each individual. Your doctor may prescribe different medications or combinations of medications if your current prescription is not helping. As with any medication, following instructions exactly as noted will increase your chance of improved results. If your doctor sets strict guidelines for your diet, it is important that you do your best to adhere to this food selection on a daily basis.
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