High levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. There are multiple options available in terms of cholesterol-lowering medications. Medications should be used in conjunction with healthy food choices and an exercise regimen. You may be prescribed more than one cholesterol medication at a time, depending on what works best for you.
Statins
Statins, or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, prevent cholesterol formation within the liver. Statins mainly target LDL cholesterol, which is the "bad" kind of cholesterol. Statins also work to lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind of cholesterol. Statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor and Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor).
Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors are a newer drug class that work to prevent cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Ezetimibe (Zetia) was approved in 2002 for high cholesterol and certain inherited lipid abnormalities.
Resins
Resins, also known as bile acid sequestrants and bile acid-binding drugs, work to lower LDL cholesterol levels by promoting increased cholesterol disposal in the intestines. The body makes bile with cholesterol, which aides in the digestion process. Resins prevent the body from using bile during digestion, causing the liver to create more bile. The more bile the liver makes, the more cholesterol it uses. Resins include cholestyramine (Questran, Questran Light, Prevalite, Locholest and Locholest Light), colestipol (Colestid) and colesevelam Hcl (WelChol).
Fibrates
Fibrates, or fibric acid derivatives, lower triglycerides and sometimes increase HDL levels. Fibrates do not do well at lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but are best at lowering triglycerides. Fibrates include gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Antara, Lofibra, Ticor and Triglide) and clofibrate (Atromid-S).
Niacin
Niacin, or nicotinic acid, lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol by affecting blood fat production in the liver. Niacin also raises HDL levels. Niacin is a B vitamin that is given as a prescription medication due to the risk of serious side effects.
