Pharmacology department: pharmacologic approaches to abnormal blood lipids

J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2000 Jan;14(2):9-15. doi: 10.1097/00005082-200001000-00003.

Abstract

There are currently four classes of drugs available to treat dyslipidemia: niacin, bile acid-binding resins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, and fibric acid derivatives. Each acts at a unique point in a complex set of interrelated lipid metabolic pathways. The mechanism of action and adverse effects of these four classes are reviewed briefly. The efficacy of antioxidants and the importance of compliance issues are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anion Exchange Resins / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Fenofibrate / therapeutic use
  • Gemfibrozil / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipidemias / nursing*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Niacin / therapeutic use
  • Nursing Research
  • Patient Compliance

Substances

  • Anion Exchange Resins
  • Antioxidants
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Niacin
  • Gemfibrozil
  • Fenofibrate