Cholesterol Drugs Flashcards
Give examples of drugs used to treat high cholesterol
Statins (most effective)
Cholesterol lipase inhibitors
Nicotinic acid/niacin
Fibrates
What is the action of Statins?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
What are the side effects of Statins?
Liver toxicity
Rhabdomyolysis (severe)
GI disturbances, headaches, joint pain
What is the action of cholesterol lipase inhibitors?
Prevent LDL internalisation at the gut
So less cholesterol in liver and increased expression of hepatic LDL receptors
Why would you use a cholesterol lipase inhibitor?
When a pt cannot tolerate statins
Give an example of a cholesterol lipase inhibitor
Ezetimibe
Give some side effects of cholesterol lipase inhibitors
GI disturbances
Headaches
What is the action of nicotinic acid?
Works in adipose tissue
Inhibits hormone sensitive lipase
Less break down of triglycerides=less VLDL=Less LDL
Give some side effects of Nicotinic Acid
Flushing
Gout
Liver toxicity (large doses)
GI disturbances
Not tolerated well so given with low dose aspirin *
What is the action of fibrates?
Increase expression of lipoprotein lipase= removes TAG from circulation
Increase HDL
What are the side effects of Fibrates?
GI disturbances
Myopathy in renal compromised Pt
Gallstones (high bile cholesterol)
What are the contra-indications of fibrates?
Hepatic/renal dysfunction
Pre-existing gallbladder disease
