Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is necessary for the production of cells and hormones in the body; however, when cholesterol levels get too high in the bloodstream, cholesterol can calcify and create plaque. Plaque can continue to buildup in the arteries until blockages occur leading to severe damage to the cardiovascular system. It is recommended that total blood cholesterol levels remain below 200 mg/dL, but unfortunately, according to the American Heart Association, in 2006 alone, 34.4 million adults in the United States had a blood cholesterol level of more than 240 mg/dL. When cholesterol levels raise to these levels, pharmaceutical intervention is almost always necessary.
Lipitor
Lipitor is one of the first most widely prescribed cholesterol medications. Lipitor is a statin. Statin medications work to lower cholesterol by blocking the enzymes needed for cholesterol to be created in the liver. By blocking these enzymes, Lipitor can help lower the amount of cholesterol being released into the bloodstream. Other common prescribed statin medications include Crestor, Mevacor and Zocor.
Questran
Questran is another popularly prescribed cholesterol lowering medication. Questran is classified as a bile acid-binding resin. Bile acid-binding resins work by binding to portions of bile in the body, making those it binds to unable to do their job. The body recognizes that more bile is needed, and so creates more. To make bile, the body must use cholesterol. As the body continues to make bile, more and more cholesterol is removed from the bloodstream to fuel the process. This lowers the amount of overall cholesterol in the bloodstream. Other bile acid-binding resins include WelChol and Cholestid.
Tricor
Tricor is another commonly prescribed cholesterol medication. Tricor is classified as a fibrate. Fibrates work to lower cholesterol by increasing levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and lowering triglyceride levels. HDL cholesterol is important, as it helps transport bad (LDL) cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be pulled out of the bloodstream. This can help lower your bad cholesterol levels. Other fibrates include Atromid and Lopid.
Niacin
Niacin is a common cholesterol lowering medication that comes both in prescription form and over the counter. Known also as nicotinic acid, Niacin helps prevent the liver from producing LDL cholesterol, and can also have effects on increasing HDL cholesterol.
Zetia
Zetia can also be prescribed for lowering cholesterol. Zetia works by inhibiting the abilities of the intestines to absorb cholesterol from the food you consume. Since some cholesterol is necessary for regular function of the body, Zetia does not block all cholesterol from being absorbed through the intestines. Instead, it blocks just enough to lower your overall cholesterol levels.
