Statin medications refer to a classification of drugs that are taken to lower blood cholesterol levels. Specifically, statins block an enzyme called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) so that the liver does not make more cholesterol. Fortunately, common statin medications exist to decrease cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin, typically sold as Lipitor, is a medication that specifically lowers low-density lipoprotein, a type of bad cholesterol, and the total cholesterol within the blood. Drugs.com states that atorvastatin also decreases a person's chances for developing a heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Atorvastatin's less serious effects include bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation and a skin rash. Some of atorvastatin's serious side effects include muscle pain, weakness and stomach pain. Suffering from an underactive thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or a muscle disorder may require a decrease in atorvastatin's dose. Atorvastatin is a tablet taken once a day.
Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin, typically sold as Crestor, is another drug that lowers low-density lipoprotein while increasing high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol. Drugs.com indicates that rosuvustatin's less serious side effects include a headache, memory loss, a sore throat, constipation and diarrhea. Some of rosuvastatin's serious side effects include swelling in the feet or hands, muscle pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes and a low fever. It is necessary to call a doctor when rosuvastatin's serious side effects develop. Having kidney disease, a muscle disorder, an underactive thyroid, or a seizure disorder may require a decrease in rosuvastatin's dose. This medication is a tablet taken once daily.
Pravastatin
Pravastatin, typically sold as Pravachol, is another statin medication that lowers cholesterol in the blood. According to MedlinePlus, pravastatin also decreases the chances of getting heart disease, strokes, or heart attacks. Heartburn and a headache are pravastatin's less serious effects. Some of pravastatin's serious side effects include muscle pain or muscle weakness, poor appetite, easy bleeding or bruising, hoarseness and yellowing of the skin or eyes. It is important to call a doctor when pravastatin leads to these effects. Taking such medications as cyclosporine, ketoconazole, fenofibrate or niacin may require a decrease in pravastatin's dose. This medication is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
