Latest Health Forum Topics:

  • is oolong tea the same as wu long tea? (5 posts)
  • Do cavities always get worse even if taken care of? cuz I can't get to a dentist...? (6 posts)
  • why would I sneeze after being sick in the hospital? (3 posts)
  • what should i do? (9 posts)
  • Bates method of eye excerises ? (3 posts)
  • How old were you the first time you had intercourse? I was 16.? (16 posts)
  • Do the foods you eat effect the smell of semen? (7 posts)
  • what is a papsmear for & how is it done? (3 posts)
  • Can anyone recommend medication to combat fear of flying? (21 posts)
  • stomach problems...what could the cause be? (4 posts)
  • Teaching abstinance in schools... does it lower rates of STD's? (7 posts)
  • help me, my life is a mess? (6 posts)
  • Do you have to keep condoms in the cold? or warm? or what? (9 posts)
  • What is a tissue located in the hypodermis subcutaneous? (4 posts)
  • question about HIV/AIDS? (7 posts)
  •  

    CHOLESTEROL MEDICATIONS

    We will review the dissimilar types of medications obtainable for the treatment of high cholesterol as well as natural remedies. Your doctor may decide that you need aid in controlling your cholesterol if you're not able to alleviate it using natural treatments.
    Even if your doctor prescribes any of these medications, you must still follow via with healthy lifestyle treatments that we will discuss further on.
    There are various different types of medications used to lower cholesterol. They are called statins, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid agents and fibrates and we will review them one by one.
    Statins
    What are they and how do they work? Statins repress the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme controls the rate that cholesterol produces itself in the body. These drugs can lower cholesterol from 20 to 60%. They slow the production while they increase the liver’s capability to withdraw LDL. Statins lower the LDL levels better than any other type of drug.
    They can also produce a modest increase of HDL while decreasing total cholesterol and triglycerides. Positive outcomes are usually seen after just 4 to 6 weeks of start the medication.
    Overall statins are proven for reducing heart attack risks, strokes and other coronary diseases related to high cholesterol levels. You should not take statins if:
    You are allergic to statins themselves or their ingredients
    You are pregnant or breastfeeding
    You have liver disease
    You consume excessive amounts of alcohol
    Have a history of myopathy
    Have renal failure
    Brand names of statins that you might recognize are Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Altocor, Pravahol, Zocor and Crestor.
    There are some drug and/or food interactions that you should be concious of. More than one quart of grapefruit juice per day can decrease the capability of the liver to way some statins. More importantly there may be other medications that can interact and cause grave side effects. It’s necessary to let your doctor know about any other medication you're taking, whether prescription or non-prescription including vitamins, herbal supplements, medication for the immune system, other cholesterols drugs, medication for infections, birth control pills, medication for heart failure, HIV or AIDs, or Coumadin.
    Side effects from statins are rare. If you experience muscle soreness, pain, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, discolored urine, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
    Bile Acid Sequestrants
    Bile acid sequestrants bind with bile acids that contain cholesterol in the intestines and are then wiped out in the stool. They are proven to alleviate LDL by 10 to 20%. Small doses produce decent reductions in LDL. They are sometimes prescribed together with a statin to amplify reduction. When combined, their effects are counted together and lower LDL by more than 40%. They do not lower triglycerides.
    People who are allergic to bile acid sequestrants should not take this medication nor should anybody who has a medical history of bile obstruction.
    There may be interactions with other drugs so make certain your doctor has a complete list of all prescribed and non-prescribed medications you're taking.
    Bile acid sequestrants do not become absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has been used for 30+ years and is considered harmless for long term use.
    Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
    A newer drug class, Zetia is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that was approved in 2002 by the FDA. By itself it reduces LDL by 18 to 20%/ It does this by decreasing absorption of cholesterol and other drugs within this class also mildly lower triglycerides.
    Very helpful for prescribing to people who cannot take statins or as another drug that can be taken if those who take statins have side effects if the statin dose is increased. Adding a cholesterol inhibitor to a statin increased the reducing effect by a 2 to 3 fold factor.
    There may be interactions with other drugs so make certain your doctor has a complete list of all prescribed and non-prescribed medications you're taking.
    Nicotinic Acid Agents
    Niacin, Niacor and Slo-Niacin are average names for nicotinic acid agents.
    Nicotinic acid, which is also called niacin, is a water soluble vitamin B. It improves levels of all lipoproteins when the doses are given far above the vitamin requirement.
    Nicotinic acid reduces total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides at the same time raising HDL. It reduces LDL by 10 to 20%, triglycerides by 20 to 50% and raises HDL by 15 to 35%. Nicotinamide is a niacin by product after the body breaks it down. Nicotinamide has no effect in reducing cholesterol and should not be used in place of nicotinic acid.
    Individuals who are allergic to nicotinic acid, and those who have liver disease, active peptic ulcer, or arterial bleeding, should not use nicotinic acid agents.
    There are two types of nicotinic acid. One for immediate release and one for extended release. Immediate release is inexpensive and widely obtainable without a prescription. However, because of potential side effects it must not be used for reducing cholesterol without being monitored by a doctor.
    Niacin that is extended release is often tolerated better than crystalline niacin. But has a greater chance of causing undermine to the liver.
    If you're taking medication for high blood pressure, the outcomes may be increased while taking niacin. You should have a system obtainable to monitor your blood pressure when start a new niacin regimen.
    Again, there may be side effects when mixed with other medications or foods. Discuss with your doctor and make certain you make him concious of all medications prescribed or otherwise.
    Fibrates
    Primary effectiveness is reducing triglycerides. There is a lesser effect in increasing HDL levels.
    Some grave side effects may eventuate so be certainly and discuss these with your doctor. If you're allergic to fibrates or have liver disease or kidney disease, you should not take these agents.

    Sponsored Ads:

    Related Articles:

    Also In This Category:

    Currently Online :

    6 member(s), 35 guest(s):
    BlastTheHeadphones, FallingMoon, JustMe, Omnious, Penguinpal, WildFlower, Baiduspider+, Gigabot, Google, MSN.com, Cobion.com, Slurp, Speedy Spider

    Search :

    No comments yet
    Categories: A Child’s Guide to Elderca Calories Dyslexia Metabolism Raising An Autistic Child Childhood Vaccines Hearing Loss Overcome Alcoholism Epilepsy Overcoming Addictions Skin Rejuvenation Stretch Marks Overcoming Addiction Looking Thin Coconut Oil Slipped Disc The Telltale Signs Staying Healthy and Living It Trichotillomania Exercise Yoga Exercise and Body Type Headaches Natural Cures Holistic Medicine Hair Transplantation Antioxidants Complementary Medicine Sleep Physical Therapy Managing Diabetes Treadmills Smoking and Alcohol Holistic Vs Conventional Green Tea Panic Attacks Cellulite Lose Fat Insomnia Congestive Heart Blemishes Sinus Infections Traditional Chinese Medicine Top Health Concerns Today Healthy Living Hearing Aids Hematology Herniated Disc Irritable Bowel Syndrome Losing Weight Medical Billing Mental Health Nursing Nursing Assistant Nursing School Obesity pH Miracle Diet Stopping Snoring Toothache & Tooth Care Wart Removal Weight Loss Allegra Alternative Medicine Alzheimer Anxiety Aqua Chi Bed Bugs Body Detox Bronchitis Cancer Cataract Low Cholesterol Cholesterol Collagen Contact Lenses Dental Assistant Dieting Disability Drugs Healthy You Herbal Cures Stop Smoking Healthy Eating Hot Sheet Hoodia Insomnia Whitening Teeth Wheelchairs Sweating Snoring Sleep Disorder Rhinoplasty Rehabilitation Panic Attacks Nutrition Microdermabrasion Menopause Liver Detox Liposuction Laser Removal