Cholesterol medicines list
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Comprehensive List of Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines
Statins: The Primary Cholesterol-Lowering Agents
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 20% to 45%. Some of the most widely used statins include:
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor): The most-prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug in the United States, with an estimated 23.7 million prescriptions and refills in the past year.
- Simvastatin: The most commonly used statin, reported by 42% of all cholesterol-lowering medication users.
- Atorvastatin: Used by 20.2% of cholesterol-lowering medication users.
Ezetimibe: Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, targeting the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1). When used alone, it can lower LDL cholesterol by about 18%, and when combined with statin therapy, it can provide an additional 25% reduction.
PCSK9 Inhibitors: Advanced Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy
PCSK9 inhibitors, such as Evolocumab, are monoclonal antibodies that prevent the degradation of LDL receptors in the liver, thereby enhancing the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Evolocumab can reduce LDL cholesterol by 53% to 56% from baseline.
Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Emerging Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
A new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs involves chemically modified small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugated to trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine. These oligonucleotide therapeutics work by destroying RNA before a protein is synthesized, offering a novel approach to lowering cholesterol levels.
Herbal Medicines: Natural Alternatives for Cholesterol Management
Several herbal medicines have shown potential in lowering cholesterol levels. These include:
- Xuezhikang: A Chinese herbal formula that has demonstrated significant effects on total cholesterol levels.
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Red Yeast Rice, and Artichoke (Cynara scolymus): These herbs have been extensively studied and shown to reduce total serum cholesterol levels by 10% to 33%.
- Cranberry Anthocyanins (CrA): Found to lower plasma cholesterol by increasing the excretion of fecal sterols.
- Avocado Leaf Extract, Red Dragon Fruit, and Soursop Leaf Extract: These Indonesian herbs have been identified as effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Traditional Chinese Medicines: Holistic Approaches
Traditional Chinese medicines, such as the Qijudihuang pill, have been used to treat various conditions, including hypercholesterolemia. These medicines work by modulating cholesterol metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating gut microbiota.
Conclusion
The landscape of cholesterol-lowering medications is diverse, ranging from widely used statins and ezetimibe to advanced therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors and emerging oligonucleotide therapeutics. Additionally, herbal and traditional Chinese medicines offer natural alternatives for managing cholesterol levels. Each of these treatments plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with high cholesterol.
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