Statins - drugs for lowering cholesterol

Some of the most studied drugs that reduce cholesterol in the blood are statins. Thanks to these drugs, the approach to the prevention of atherosclerosis has changed radically. What drugs are statins? One of the first medicines that appeared on the market are Ovastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin. These drugs are derived from fungi and refer to natural statins. In the future, synthetic drugs began to appear.

Classification and effect on the body

Several types of statins stand out:

1. Natural( Lovastatin).
2. Semisynthetic( Pravastatin, Simvastatin).
3. Synthetic( Fluvastatin, Leskol, Lipitor, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin).

The liver is the main excretory organ, Pravastatin is excreted through the kidneys. What statins are better for taking, the doctor decides, since each drug has different effects( mild, moderate, severe).

The drug effects include:

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• vasodilator;
• is anti-ischemic;
• antithrombotic;
• immunosuppressive;
• decrease in blood pressure;
• reduced risk of diabetes;
• antiarrhythmic;
• dissolve stones in the gallbladder.

Interesting! Statins are a preventive agent of CLD, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis, reduce the risk of oncological diseases.

Principles of use of

The main indications of statins include:

• hypercholesterolemia;
• hyperlipidemia;
• hypertriglyceridemia;
• prevention of ischemic heart disease;
• prophylaxis of micro-strokes;
• atherosclerosis;
• myocardial infarction;
• diabetes;
• kidney transplant;
• arterial hypertension;
• arrhythmia of the ventricles of the heart;
• thrombosis.

How long to take statins depends on the disease and the purpose of the appointment. Usually they are prescribed by long courses, however, doses are prescribed minimally effective. At what time to take statins, depends on the drug and its action:

1. Lovastatin is prescribed morning and evening with meals;
2. Simvastatin is drunk in the evening;
3. Pravastatin and Fluvastatin - overnight;
4. Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin - at any time.

The dosage adjustment is carried out a month after the examinations. Such question, at what cholesterol it is necessary to accept statins doctors can and not consider if the patient has a risk of a stroke or a heart attack. If the total cholesterol level in the blood is below 140 mg / dl, the dosage of the drugs is reduced. Therefore, how to take statins from cholesterol should tell the doctor.

Patients are not prescribed treatment with drugs with familial hypercholesterolemia, since it is not advisable to take statins in this situation. In exceptional cases, appoint atorvastatin, which has one of the highest efficacies.

Side effects of statins

Are statins harmful for prolonged use? Some drugs cause side effects:

1. Simvastatin: problems with the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis, increased transaminases, jaundice, hepatitis, headache, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity disorders, convulsions, dizziness, neuropathy, allergic reactions, anemia, thrombocytopenia, asthenia.
2. Atorvastatin( Lipitor, Lipitor): digestive problems, inflammation of the pancreas and liver, jaundice, headache, insomnia, impaired sensitivity, convulsions, pruritus, peripheral neuropathy, angioedema, Lyell syndrome, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, kidney, impotence, Thrombocytopenia, alopecia, hypoglycemia, asthenia.
3. Lovastatin: digestive problems, dry mouth, problems with the liver and pancreas, increased transaminases, violation of the sensitivity, headache, insomnia, optic atrophy, mental disorders, Laeylla syndrome, diseases of bones and muscles, anemia, chest pain, asthenia.
4. Pravastatin: dysfunction and gastrointestinal disease, cirrhosis, headache, insomnia, sensitivity disorder, forgetfulness, convulsions, dizziness, tremors, anxiety, depression, allergies, muscle and joint pain, kidney pain, impotence, gynecomastia, alopecia, infection of the upperRespiratory tract, cataract.
5. fluvastatin: digestive problems, hepatitis, headache, sleep disturbance, sensory disturbances, dizziness, angioneurotic edema, pain in muscles and joints, anemia, respiratory tract infections.
6. Rosuvastatin, pitavastatin: nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, increased transaminases, headache, allergic reactions, impaired kidney function, protein in the urine, fatigue.

These side effects are individual, so it is impossible to determine and accurately say which statin is the safest. With caution appoint drugs if a person takes immunosuppressants, fluconazole, erythromycin, indirect anticoagulants.