Types

According to ehealthMD.com, commonly prescribed medications to lower LDL cholesterol---known as the "bad" cholesterol---include niacin, bile-acid sequestrants and statins.

Function

Cholesterol-lowering drugs work in different ways. Niacin is a vitamin B compound that lowers LDL and raise "good" cholesterol, known as HDL. Bile-acid sequestrants and statins affect the way your liver processes cholesterol to lower LDL levels, reports ehealthMD.com.

Effects

A prescription drug's effect on cholesterol depends on how far above normal the level of LDL is, and on risk factors such as family history, previous heart attack, high blood pressure and lifestyle. Statins may drop numbers by 50 percent or more, in high doses, says the Mayo Clinic.

Benefits

High cholesterol is a significant factor in heart attacks and strokes; lowering LDL cholesterol reduces your risk. The Mayo Clinic reports that drugs such as statins are "lifelong commitment"---if you stop taking them, your cholesterol numbers are likely to go back up.

Considerations

Medication is only one part of managing cholesterol. Lifestyle changes---to your diet, exercise, smoking, stress management and alcohol intake habits---are key, says the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

ehealthMD: Medications To Lower Blood Cholesterol

Mayo Clinic: Statins and Cholesterol