Cholesterol Medication Classes

For most people controlling high cholesterol is accomplished through diet and exercise. But there are some people who are unable to control their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone and for them there are several classes of cholesterol medications that can be used to help control high cholesterol. If this is the case for you your doctor will prescribe the medication that will work best for your situation.

The most pressing concern when it comes to high cholesterol is the LDL or low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The vast majority of cholesterol reducing drugs work by lowering the level of LDL in the system. The four main classes of cholesterol drugs consist of Statins, Bile Acid Binding Resins, Absorption Inhibitors, and Fibrates. As with all drugs these four types of drugs share many of the same side affects which normally include stomach and digestive system discomfort. These can include constipation, nausea, bloating, and stomach cramps.

Statins, Absorption Inhibitors, and Fibrates also work by moderating and decreasing the amount of triglycerides in the body. This is important because triglycerides, or food fat, and in particular saturated fat are the major cause of high LDL cholesterol levels in the human body. In fact cholesterol found in food is less of a risk for high cholesterol then large amounts saturated and trans fats.

Some of these drugs are also able to help raise the good or HDL cholesterol. While the increase may be modest it is important because HDL cholesterol is responsible for removing LDL cholesterol from the blood stream and returning it to the liver where it is disposed of. The cholesterol medications that do this include the Statins, Absorption Inhibitors, and Fibrates. As stated above it is important to be aware of any side affects and report these to your doctor if they are severe.

These different classes of cholesterol medication are manufactured by different drug companies under a number of different brand names, some of which are easily recognizable to most people because of the number of commercials and ads they buy on TV, Radio, and in magazines. It is important to talk to your doctor about which medication choice would work best for you. The side affects may not be experienced by some people or may only be mild when first starting the drug. With time they will usually go away. If they do not go away or become severe talk to your doctor, chances are there is another medication that will work better for you.