Drug Classes: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Used to treat: Primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with multiple risk factors

Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the liver enzyme HMG-CoA Reductase, which catalyzes one of the initial steps in the production of cholesterol

Contraindications: Pregnancy, Grapefruit juice use, liver disease, certain antifungals


Pregnancy Category: X - Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

Common Medications (Brand -- Generic)

• Lipitor - Atorvastatin
• Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg
• Lescol - Fluvastatin
• Capsules: 20mg, 40mg
• Extended Release Tablets: 80mg
• Mevacor - Lovastatin
• Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
• Extended Release Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 60mg
• Pravachol - Pravastatin
• Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg
• Livalo - Pitavastatin
• Tablets: 1mg, 2mg, 4mg
• Crestor - Rosuvastatin
• Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
• Zocor - Simvastatin
• Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg

Common Side Effects

• Abdominal cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Rashes

Rare, but Potentially Deadly Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis

Combination Drugs Containing :

• Caduet - Atorvastatin/ Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blockers)
• Advicor - Lovastatin/ Niacin (Other Cholesterol-Lowering Agents)
• Simcor - Simvastatin/ Niacin (Other Cholesterol-Lowering Agents)
• Vytorin - Simvastatin/ Ezetimibe (Other Cholesterol-Lowering Agents)

Miscellaneous

• most end in -statin