Taking medication to lower your cholesterol is usually a last resort. More often than not, patients with high cholesterol are advised to modify their lifestyle first, such as eating a low fat diet, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking and finding ways to reduce over-all stress. However, in some cases, even these may not be enough, and your doctor may prescribe medication. There are several cholesterol-lowering drugs to choose from today. Each does its job in a different way and they may affect different parts of your lipid profile.
Statins
Statins are the most widely-prescribed type of medication for high cholesterol levels, according to the National Institutes of Health. Also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins help block enzymes that make cholesterol. This causes your liver to make more receptors for LDL or "bad" cholesterol, which reduces the amount of LDL in the bloodstream. Lowered LDL levels can in turn boost your levels of triglycerides and HDL or "good" cholesterol."
Statins also possess several other beneficial properties. They are anti-inflammatory, help to reduce the likelihood of stroke and development of blood clots, reduce heart arrhythmia and improve vascular function. Possible side effects of statin use include constipation, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, muscle soreness, pain and weakness.
Fibric Acids
Fibrates or fibric acid derivatives are highly effective at breaking down particles that create triglycerides, which can lead to an increase in HDL cholesterol and a reduction in LDL cholesterol, the Texas Heart Institute notes. Known side effects of this type of drugs include muscle toxicity, skin rash, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and fatigue. Side effects may be more pronounced when fibric acids are used in conjunction with statins.
Bile Acid Resins
Bile acid resins bind themselves to bile, an acid used in the digestive process, rendering it unusable. The liver responds by producing even more bile, which has the effect of using up cholesterol in the body and reducing its presence in the bloodstream. Though bile acid resins raise HDL and lower LDL, they are not as effective as statins, MayoClinic.com explains. In some cases, they may even raise triglyceride levels as well. Common side effects of bile acid resins include bloating, nausea, constipation, heartburn and cramping, which prevents their frequent use. Some vitamins and drugs also cannot be taken in conjunction with this type of medication.
Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid, also called as niacin or vitamin B-3, slows the liver's production of LDL-producing substances, though not to the same extent as statins. Niacin is most notable for lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL levels, the American Heart Association reports. However, around half of all patients taking this medication experience flushing. This may be intolerable for some and is the primary reason why niacin use is discontinued. Other possible effects include dry skin, rashes, high blood sugar, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.
Absorption Inhibitors
Cholesterol absorption inhibitor drugs are used specifically for lowering LDL cholesterol levels, according to the Texas Heart Institute. The sole drug in this category is ezetimibe. It reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from foods you eat, and it is typically used in combination with a statin for a more powerful effect. However, ezetimibe usually does not affect triglyceride levels, and the effect on HDL cholesterol levels is negligible. Associated side effects include liver and muscle problems, but these only occur in rare cases.
