Anti-Dyslipidemic Drugs: Statins Overview

Anti-Dyslipidemic Drugs: Statins

• Statins are drugs used to lower cholesterol levels.
• They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.
• This reduces cholesterol production in the liver.
• LDL receptors are upregulated, taking up cholesterol from the blood.
• Statins maximize LDL cholesterol lowering.
• Common statins include Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin, Fluvastatin, and Cerivastatin.
• Some statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin) can be taken at any time of the day, while others (e.g., Pravastatin) are best taken after meals.
• Statins are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, except Pravastatin.
• Combining statins with CYP3A4 inhibitors can lead to increased toxicity.
• Statin toxicity can manifest as myopathy (muscle damage), diabetes mellitus, and hepatotoxicity.
• Monitoring creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels is important when starting statins to assess for muscle damage.
• Food increases statin absorption, so they are often taken with meals except for some types.
• Some drugs ending in "-statin," aren't HMG-CoA inhibitors, such as Cilastatin, Pentostatin, and Somatostatin, used with other medications.
• Cilastatin is given with Imipenem to block its breakdown, Pentostatin inhibits adenosine deaminase, and Somatostatin is a hormone.

Pleiotropic Effects

• Pleiotropic effects are additional benefits of statins beyond their cholesterol-lowering properties.
• These effects often include plaque stabilization, improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, less oxidative stress, and lower risk of thrombosis.

Explore the essential details about statins, anti-dyslipidemic drugs that effectively lower cholesterol levels. This quiz covers their mechanism of action, common types, optimal dosing times, potential side effects, and the importance of monitoring during treatment. Enhance your understanding of statins and their role in managing cholesterol.