U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-.

  • This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

Cover of Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers

Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet].

Show details

Kinds of Cholesterol Medicines and How They Work

Generic NameBrand NameHow They Work
Statins
AtorvastatinLipitor®Block the liver from making cholesterol.
FluvastatinLescol®
LovastatinMevacor®, Altoprev®
PravastatinPravachol®
RosuvastatinCrestor®
SimvastatinZocor®
Bile Acid Binders
CholestyramineQuestran®Decrease the amount of fat absorbed from food.
ColesevelamWelchol®
ColestipolColestid®
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor
EzetimibeZetia®Decreases the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. Also lowers triglycerides.
Fibrates
GemfibrozilLopid®Help the liver break down bad (LDL) cholesterol. Also lower triglycerides.
FenofibrateTriCor®, Lofibra®
Vitamins and Supplements
NiacinNiacor®, Niaspan®Blocks the liver from removing good (HDL) cholesterol. Also lowers triglycerides.
Omega-3 fatty acidsLovaza®Increase the level of good (HDL) cholesterol. Also lower triglycerides.

Views

  • Cite this Page
  • PDF version of this page (2.1M)

Recent Activity

Your browsing activity is empty.

Activity recording is turned off.

Turn recording back on

See more...