High Cholesterol Medication
High Cholesterol drugs include the following types:
- Statins
- Niacin
- Bile-acid resins
- Fibric acid derivatives
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
High Cholesterol Medicine – Statins
The production of cholesterol within the liver is blocked by statins. The end effect is lower LDL (bad cholesteresol) and triglycerides. Plus there is a mild effect of raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Statins are normally the first line of treatment when using high cholesterol drugs are a recommended course of action.
Examples of statins:
- Crestor
- Lipitor
- Lescol
- Mevacor
- Pravachol
- Zocor
I am currently taking Lipitor as my choice of high cholesterol medicine. It is effective and I don’t suffer from any of the side effects. It is important for you to know that it takes some time, (up to a year), to gauge the proper dosage you will require. At least that has been my experience.
High Cholesterol Drug – Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid is a B-complex vitamin. It is naturally found in foods, but is available in high doses by prescription.
Examples of nicotinic acid medications:
- Nicolar
- Niaspan
I personally do not have any experience with these types of high cholesterol medications.
High Cholesterol Medication – Bile Acid Resins
Bile Acid Resins work inside the intestine where it binds to bile from the liver and prevents reabsorbsion into the circulatory system. Bile is largely made from cholesterol, so this high cholesterol drug works by depleting the supply of cholesterol in the body.
Examples of Bile Acid Resins:
- Questran and Questran Light
- Colestid
- WelChol
I have had experience in the distant past with this type of high cholesterol medication. It did reduce my cholesterol levels, but because my levels were so severe, and the dosage I required was so high, I did suffer from side effects such as constipation, gas and upset stomach. Saying that, this type of high cholesterol drug may be effective for you if your cholesterol levels are simply elevated. Again, consult your physician for proper medical advice.
High Cholesterol Drug – Fibrates
Fibrates work by reducing the production of triglycerides. It can also increase HDL cholesterol.
Examples of fibrates:
- Tricor
- Lopid
- Atromid
I have no experience with this type of high cholesterol medications.
Your Choice of High Cholesterol Medication
That is a tricky one. You will really need to sit down and talk with your doctor. Be sure to keep track of changes in your body that could be potential side effects. Remember nothing is too small to approach your doctor with once you start taking high cholesterol drugs. I know from my own experiences, you may have to try several types of high cholesterol medicines before you find the right one for you.
Please remember, that all of this is what I’ve discovered while walking my walk with high cholesterol. You need to consult with your physician before going any further. This information does not replace the advice of your physician and I will not be held responsible for omissions or errors.
I would welcome your comments about your experiences with various high cholesterol drugs.
