Names of cholesterol medicines
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest the names of cholesterol medicines include Statins, Ezetimibe, Evolocumab, Colesevelam hydrochloride, and Berberine.
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Cholesterol Medicines: A Comprehensive Overview
Statins: The Primary Cholesterol-Lowering Agents
Statins are the most widely prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 20% to 45%. Common statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin. Despite their effectiveness, up to 15% of patients may experience side effects, leading to discontinuation or non-adherence to the therapy .
Ezetimibe: Inhibiting Cholesterol Absorption
Ezetimibe is another important cholesterol-lowering drug that works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. It targets the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1) and can lower LDL cholesterol by about 18% when used alone and by an additional 25% when combined with statins. Ezetimibe is often used in combination with statins to enhance cholesterol-lowering effects and provide additional cardiovascular protection.
PCSK9 Inhibitors: A New Class of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, such as evolocumab, represent a newer class of cholesterol-lowering medications. These drugs work by increasing the degradation of LDL receptors in the liver, thereby enhancing the removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Evolocumab can reduce LDL cholesterol by 53% to 56% from baseline. PCSK9 inhibitors are particularly useful for patients who do not achieve optimal LDL levels with statins alone or who cannot tolerate statins.
Bile Acid Sequestrants: Non-Absorbed Agents
Colesevelam hydrochloride is a bile acid sequestrant that lowers cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. This process depletes the liver of cholesterol, which is used to produce bile acids, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Colesevelam is well-tolerated and can be used in combination with statins to achieve additional cholesterol reduction.
Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Emerging Treatments
Oligonucleotide therapeutics, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugated to trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine, are an emerging class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. These agents work by destroying RNA before protein synthesis, thereby reducing the production of proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. This novel approach holds promise for future cholesterol-lowering strategies.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
Several herbal and natural remedies have shown potential in lowering cholesterol. Berberine, a compound derived from Chinese herbs, has been identified as a novel cholesterol-lowering agent. It works by upregulating LDL receptor expression through a post-transcriptional mechanism, independent of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins. Cranberry anthocyanins have also been found to lower plasma cholesterol by increasing the excretion of fecal sterols. Additionally, Chinese herbal medicines like Xuezhikang have demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects in clinical trials.
Conclusion
A variety of medications are available for managing high cholesterol, each with unique mechanisms of action. Statins remain the cornerstone of cholesterol-lowering therapy, but other agents like ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, and emerging oligonucleotide therapeutics offer additional options. Herbal and natural remedies also provide alternative or complementary approaches. Understanding the different classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs can help tailor treatment to individual patient needs, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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