Anti-Hyperlipidemic Drugs: Major Drugs

• Bile acid ion-exchange resins are not very potent, and although they are generally safe, patient compliance is low because of side effects we’ll discuss later.
  
• Cholesterol synthesis inhibitors are the STATINS. These agents are active on the liver to inhibit cholesterol synthesis; chemically they are known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.
  
• Fibric acid derivatives were widely used prior to the statins, and are not used very much anymore because of serious toxicity.
  
• Probucol is INEFFECTIVE and has been withdrawn from the market (1995).
  
• Nicotinic acid (not a vitamin) is niacin used in high doses, can be combined with other agents and is usually used as an adjunct. A typical dose of OTC niacin is 200-300 mg, but efficacy is best at 2-3 grams.
  
• Neomycin is NEVER used as a lipid-lowering drug, it is an antibiotic.

Category: Pharmacology Notes