(Mode of Action of Drugs)

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Chapter

1.4

Chapter

4.5 Antihyperlipidemic Agents

Antihyperlipidemic

Agents

These drugs are used for treatment of
hyperlipidemia. They lower the levels of
lipoproteins and lipids in blood. The plasma
lipids are present in lipoproteins after
combining with apoproteins. They are high
density lipoproteins (HDL), low density
lipoproteins (LDL), very low density
lipoproteins (VLDL) and intermediate density
lipoproteins (IDL).

Atherosclerosis is main cause of cardio-

vascular deaths. It is characterized by a

localised plaque in the intima and is

composed of cholesterol esters, deposition

of fibrous proteins and calcification. These

plaques may narrow the arterial lumen and

can cause distalischemia. The coronary and

cerebral circulation are main sites of

atherosclerosis. Raised levels of VLDL, LDL

Table 4.5.1: Classification for antihyperlipidemic agents.

I. HMG CoA reductase inhibitors

Lovastatin (LOVASTROL) 10-40 mg/day

Simvastatin (SIMCARD) 5-20 mg/day

Atorvastatin (ATOCOR) 10-80 mg/day

Pravastatin (PRASTATIN) 40 mg/day

II. Fibric acid derivatives

Clofibrate (ATROMID) 0.5-1 g BD

Gemfibrozil (GEMPAR) 600 mg before meals

III. Agents inhibiting production of VLDL and lipolysis in adipose tissue

Nicotinic acid 100 mg TDS, increased to 2-6 g/day

IV. Interferes with intestinal absorption of cholesterol

Cholestyramine 4 g TDS

Colestipol 5-10 g TDS

V. Inhibit synthesis of LDL

Probucol 500 mg BD after meals

VI. Miscellaneous

Gugulipid (GUGLIP) 25 mg TDS