Statin a cholesterol lowering agent - Reduce cholesterol in 4 weeks

The problem of high cholesterol is increasing in the society. This will lead to atherosclerosis and increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Statin's will help to reduce the cholesterol level and thus will help to reduce heart attack and stroke in the community. Statin's are the most efficacious and best tolerated lipid lowering drug. They will reduce both primary and secondary hypercholesterolemia. Statin's can reduce the total cholesterol in 4 to 6 weeks. All the statin's are given at bedtime to get maximum effect.

Statins include the following

1. Atorvastatin­ dose 10 to 80 mg/day.

2. Lovastatin­ 10 to 40 mg/day,this is the first used statin.

3. Simvastatin ­5 to 20 mg/day.

4. Fluvastatin.

5. Pravastatin.

Adverse effects of statins

1. Headache.

2. Nausea and bowel upset.

3. Rash.

4. Sleep disturbance.

5. Muscle pain and rise in CPK level.

6. Increase in serum transaminase,but liver damage is not seen.

Uses of Statins

1.Reduce  cholesterol level.

2.Decrease heart attack rate

3.Decrease  stroke rate.

4.Help in plaque stabilization in atherosclerosis.