Cholesterol medications help remove plaque from the arteries by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Cholesterol and fatty substances build up plaque that narrows the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol medication also increases high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol that picks up excess cholesterol in the arteries and brings it to the liver where it exits the body. People with high LDL cholesterol levels or heart disease benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Statins
Statins lower LDL and triglyceride levels by inhibiting their production in the liver and increasing HDL levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Drugs include rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin. Nausea, stomach pain, cramps, pain, constipation and diarrhea may occur as side effects.
Resins
Resins bind to bile acid made by the liver with cholesterol, FamilyDoctor.org explains. The binding action helps the body get rid of the excess cholesterol and makes the body use up more cholesterol to make more bile acids, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Bile acid-binding resins include colestipol, colesevelam and cholestyramine. Side effects may include bloating, gas, constipation and nausea. They may increase triglycerides.
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Drug inhibitors prevent the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, according to the American Heart Association. The medication may also lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol. Doctors often prescribe ezetimibe, which may have side effects of stomach pain, fatigue and muscle soreness. A combination cholesterol absorption inhibitor and statin, using ezetimibe and simvastatin, reduces LDL and triglyceride levels and increases HDL levels.
Fibrates
Fibrates lower triglycerides and may increase HDL levels, the American Heart Association reports. However, they may not lower LDL levels. The drugs, including gemfibrozil, fenofibrate and clofibrate, mainly work effectively for people who need their HDL levels raised or who have high triglyceride levels. Fibrates are sometimes used in combination with statin drugs.
Niacin
Niacin, a B vitamin, can lower LDL levels and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels when given in high doses, FamilyDoctor.org notes. Over-the-counter niacin is not effective in lowering cholesterol. The drug needs to be taken through prescription. Dietary supplements with niacin may have serious side effects, the American Heart Association warns. There is a risk the supplements contain too much niacin or very little. Side effects of prescription niacin may include facial and neck flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high blood sugar and peptic ulcers. A combination niacin and lovastatin medication may also decrease LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels. Flushing, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and sweating are among the possible side effects.
