What drugs are available to lower high cholesterol?
Six medications in the statin class of drugs are available, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and simvastatin (Zocor). These drugs are highly effective, typically cuting LDL cholesterol 30 to 63 percent, while increasing HDL cholesterol somewhat and lowering triglycerides. Statins are the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, but there are other types of cholesterol-lowering drugs available, including bile acid sequestrants, fibrates and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
