by 
The Curious Bag
-
Statins are a category of medicines that are often prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is required for daily body and cell function, but if levels are too high, it can lead to artherosclerosis.
Types
There are several types of statins, including simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin and cerivastatin. The most potent statins are rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, with fluvastatin being the least potent.
Function
Statins inhibit the enzyme that controls cholesterol production and actually replace the enzyme, thus slowing cholesterol production.
Features
More cholesterol is produced by the liver at night. Since most statins are short-acting, they are taken at night for an increased effect.
Significance
Most patients who start a statin regimen are prescribed the lowest dose, although if the patient has suffered a heart attack, the dosage may be increased.
Considerations
Side effects of statins are minor but may include bloating, headache, abdominal pain, feeling sick, pins and needles and a rash. On rare occasions, patients may get an intense form of muscle inflammation.
Warning
Two rare but serious side effects that may occur are skeletal muscle damage and liver failure. Patients should not take statins if they have liver disease.
Source:
ClinicalCorrelations.Org: Do Statins Always Have To Be Taken In The Evening?
Cholesterol.EmedTV.Com: Why Take Statins In The Evening?
StatinAnswers.Com: Typical Statin Regimen
More Information:
MedicalNewsToday.Com: How Statins Work And The Side Effects Of Statins
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC