Drug Classes: Other Antihyperlipidemics

Contains information about:

• Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
• Fatty Acids
• Water Soluable Vitamins

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Use: Management of dyslipidemias
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits absorption of cholesterol from small intestine
Contraindications: Concurrent use of fibrates, acute or unexplained liver disease
Pregnancy Category: C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Availability:

• Zetia - Ezetimibe
  
  • Tablets: 10mg

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Pancreatitis

Combination Drugs:

• Vytorin - Ezetimibe/ Simvastatin (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)

Fatty Acids

Use: Hypertriglyceridemia, in conjuction with special diet
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits triglyceride synthesis
Contraindications: Fish allergy
Pregnancy Category: C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Availability:

• Lovaza - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
  
  • Gelcaps - 1gm
    
• Over the Counter Fish Oil Supplements

Common Side Effects:

• Altered Taste

Combination Drugs: None

Water Soluble Vitamins

Use: Certain hyperlipidemias
Mechanism of Action: Required in body as a coenzyme for fat breakdown, large doses decrease triglyceride synthesis
Contraindications: Gout, Glaucoma, Diabetes Mellitus
Pregnancy Category: C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Availability:

• Niaspan
  
  • Tablets: 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg
• Over the Counter Niacin Supplements (such as Slo-Niacin)

Common Side Effects:

• Flushing
• GI Upset
• Pruritis

Combination Drugs:

• Advicor - Niacin/ Lovastatin (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
• Simcor - Niacin/ Simvastatin (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)