Cholesterol lowering medication

Willman, D., Drug tied to deaths is pulled Safety Baycol is a cholesterol-lowering medication that may lead to kidney failure, Los Angeles, Times, Section Al, August 9, 2001. 

Grapefruit juice has also been shown to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-gp in the small intestine, and hence, can elevate the oral bioavailability of lipophilic drugs [98,99]. Concomitant intake of grapefruit juice with the lipophilic cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin caused a 16-fold increase in the AUC of simvastatin [100]. The oral bioavailability of the lipophilic HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir was doubled following concomitant administration with grapefruit juice [101]. 

Cardiovascular disease Cholesterol management Adherence with taking cholesterol-lowering medications Patients at risk for cardiovascular disease... 

Pharmacists who practice lipid management should be familiar with dietary factors that influence lipids. If referrals to a dietician are allowed by law, the pharmacist should have a referral base from which to guide the patient. Handouts that describe the goals of fat content, specific foods to choose and avoid, and how to read and interpret food labels should be available for distribution. These are available from a variety of sources. Patients may be referred to the AHA web site, which offers information about recommended diets as well as recipes. Drug companies that market cholesterol-lowering medications often provide free patient information materials that may... 

I cannot take this medication with any other cholesterol-lowering medication. ... 

Additive effect with cholesterol-lowering medication... 

Of the cholesterol-lowering medications available to date, statins are currently the first choice for treating patients with hypercholesterolemia. They lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations by 24-50% (Knopp, 1999) by blocking the synthesis of cholesterol through inhibition of the action of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in the fiver. 

The publication of the 4S study in 1994 transformed the debate. The study demonstrated unequivocally that cholesterol, lowered total as well as cardiovascular mortality with no increased risk of cancer. Cardiologists, who as a group, were previously sceptical of the value of cholesterol lowering, became strong advocates of a change in public health policy. As Professor Oliver wrote in the British Medical Journal in 1995 Lower patient s cholesterol now - trial evidence shows clear benefits from secondary prevention. As noted previously, UK physicians are remarkably conservative, and largely follow the principles of evidence-based medicine. When the evidence is presented to them... 

Recently, ingestion of purple juice for 14 days has been shown to improve endothelial function, as measured by flow-induced vasodilation, in patients with coronary artery disease [78]. The authors attributed this effect to the flavonoidic content of the purple juice. These benefits were observed despite use of antioxidant vitamins, lipid lowering medications and small increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. 

The nomenclature for nicotinic acid formulations can be confusing. Nicotinic acid is available over the counter in an immediate-release (crystalline), and slow-release or timed-release form. A shorter acting, timed-release preparation referred to as intermediate release or extended release nicotinic acid is available by prescription. Due to the potential for side effects, medical supervision is recommended for the use of nicotinic acid as a cholesterol-lowering agent. 

---