Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential to all cells for proper function and support. Metabolically, cholesterol is synthesized by the liver and is transported throughout the body within the blood plasma. While naturally produced, dietary cholesterol is also acquired by the consumption of animal fats in the form of meat and dairy products like milk and cheese. Over-saturation of cholesterol has been linked to many health complications including the risk of stroke and heart attack, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Active Ingredient
Cholesterol is naturally synthesized in the liver by an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. Statins function by inhibiting this enzyme and therefore inhibitiing the natural synthesis of cholesterol. The reason that statins are so effective is that they are modeled after the natural compound, called HMG-CoA, that normally binds to HMG-CoA reductase. The statin's chemical structure is a little bit different, however. The small difference in this structure allows the statin to bind more strongly to the enzyme so that the natural compound cannot bind to the enzyme, and therefore it cannot synthesize cholesterol.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are necessary components of a drug formulation that assist the proper absorption and processing of the active ingredient. Without these inactive ingredients, the active ingredient would not be able to reach its intended target, and the medication would then be worthless. Statins may contain a mixture of inactive ingredients that include coatings, binders, colors, disintegrants and preservatives. As with all medications, those with allergies should be aware of all inactive ingredients to avoid an adverse reaction.
Types of Statins
There are many types of statins used to treat high cholesterol, but they can only be obtained through a physician's prescription. Some of these statins include avorastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin. The differences in these statins are small variations in their chemical structure. Theses chemical variations will cause varying degrees of efficacy in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Different statins may also interact with other medications in a negative manner, so a doctor may prescribe one that is more suitable to be taken together, according to American Pharmacists Association.
