Anti-hyperlipidemic drugs

1. Fibrates

1.1. Clofibrate & Gemifebrozil & fenofibrate

1.2. Side effects include the possibility of forming gall stones.

2. Bile Acid Binding Resins

2.1. Cholestyramine & colistipol

2.2. Side effects are: they cause impairment in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and They interfere with other drugs ( warfarin, tetracyclines , statins and aspirin etc.. )

3. Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

3.1. Ezetamide

3.2. due to its low efficacy, it is usually used as an adjunct therapy with statins. patients with hepatic insufficiency should not use this medication.

4. HMG COA Reductase Inhibitors

4.1. All statins. Simvastatin , atrovastatin and lovastatin

4.2. they are the major class the decreases serum TRGs. by increasing receptors for LDL uptake in the liver

4.3. Major side effect includes: MYOPATHY, hepatitis, skin rash, nausea & vomiting

5. Niacin ( Nicotinic acid )

5.1. They are the most efficacious medications in increasing HDL levels. It also increases plasminogen levels and dec. fibrinogen causing a dec in the risk of thrombosis.

5.2. Side effects include: Intense Cutaneous flush !!! hyperurecemia and hepatotoxicity.