Cholesterol lowering medication Flashcards
What are some cholesterol-lowering medications?
atorvastatin
lovastatin
pravastatin
rosuvastatin
simvastatin
How do statins work?
They block HMG-CoA reductase which inhibits the formation of cholesterol causing a decrease in LDL and VLDL cholesterol
What are the high-yield concepts for cholesterol-lowering medications?
- hepatotoxicity
- myopathy can progress to rhabdomyolysis: An indicator is cola-colored urine or severe muscle ache (check creatinine kinase level)
- Avoid grapefruit
When is the best time to take cholesterol-lowering medications?
- It is best taken at night since that is when cholesterol production increases.
- Lovastatin should be taken with supper since food increases it’s absorption
When are cholesterol-lowering medications contraindicated?
Contraindicated if the patient is pregnant or has active liver disease
What is the common use for Ezetimibe?
it is commonly used to lower LDL and is often combined with other statins.
How does ezetimibe work?
it is responsible for decreasing the absorption of cholesterol
What is the high-yield concept for ezetimibe?
- well tolerated but when it is combined with statins it can increase myopathy and hepatoxicity
What medications are considered fibrates for cholesterol-lowering medications?
fenofibrate and gemfibrozil
How does fenofibrate and gemfibrozil work?
They work by lowering VLDL and increasing HDL levels
what are the high-yield effects of fenofibrate and gemifibrozil?
- myopathy and hepatotoxicity
- gallstones and diarrhea
