Cholesterol is synthesized by the liver and plays a role in keeping cellular membranes intact. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. The American Heart Association says high levels of total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease. Eating foods that contain cholesterol and saturated fat or taking certain drugs can increase blood cholesterol.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Paxil, a prescription drug indicated for treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Research conducted by J.M. LeMelledo and published in the "Journal of Psychopharmacology" in 2009 discovered that short-term administration of paroxetine increases LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, by 9 percent in healthy individuals and individuals with panic disorder. The research suggests that longer-term treatment and use of higher doses of paroxetine could lead to greater increases in LDL cholesterol.
Digoxin
Digoxin is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Lanoxin, a prescription drug indicated for treatment of mild to moderate heart failure, according to the product label. Research conducted by I. Campia and published in "Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences" in 2009 found that digoxin increases synthesis of cholesterol in the liver by enhancing the activity of the rate limiting enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, involved in cholesterol production. This research suggests patients who take digoxin may increase their risk for atherosclerosis.
Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that treats many types of conditions, such as asthma, lupus, rashes and other diseases characterized by inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. Yet prednisone also has a risk of side effects, including increased cholesterol. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says prednisone can be given for short-term, and sometimes long-term, treatment, and the drug often increases cholesterol and fats called triglycerides in the blood; stopping medication can reverse these increased effects.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug used to reduce the body's natural immunity in patients who receive organ transplants, says MayoClinic.com. Physicians also prescribe cyclosporine to treat severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Research conducted by C.M. Ballantyne and published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 1989 demonstrated that cyclosporine therapy alone increases total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Cyclosporine administration increases blood levels of cholesterol and fats by significantly reducing the ability of the enzyme that breaks down cholesterol and limiting the clearance of lipoproteins from the blood, according to research conducted by N.D. Vaziri and published in the "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics" in 2000.
References
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
- GlaxoSmithKline: Paxil Prescribing Information
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Paroxetine-Induced Increase in LDL Cholesterol Levels; LeMelledo, J.M.; Sept. 2009
- GlaxoSmithKline: Lanoxin Prescribing Information
- "Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences"; Digoxin Increases Synthesis of Cholesterol in Human Liver; Campia, I.; May 2009
