lipid lowering drugs

Last reviewed 12/2022

There are classified as:

• exchange resins } for most patients replaced
• nicotinic acid and analogues} by statins as first line agents
• fibrates - effective at lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL-cholesterol, in addition to lowering LDL-cholesterol - generally also used as a second line treatment to statins
• HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) - the most potent drugs for treating hypercholesterolaemia
• others
  • e.g. fish-oil preparations rich in omega-3 marine triglycerides - useful in the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridaemia; however may sometimes aggravate hypercholesterolaemia
  • e.g. agents such as ezetimibe, the first selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor, have been introduced then this means there are further options in the management of hyperlipidaemia