michael s
(Michael S)
#1
in post-MI men with average LDL but low HDL cholesterol
concentrations with no increase in non-CHD adverse events.
Drug interactions
Care should be exercised when statins are combined with fibrates
or used in patients taking cyclosporin (e.g. transplant patients) as
the risk of side effects (particularly myositis) is increased. Dosage
should be limited in transplant patients taking cyclosporin as
drug levels are increased. Care should also be exercised when
used in combination with drugs metabolised through the
cytochrome P450 pathway (e.g. antifungals, erythromycin) as
there is a potential for interactions. There is a theoretical potential
for interaction with warfarin but the author has not found this a
problem in practice.
Resins
The resins are associated with a high frequency of gastrointestinal
side effects which limit their use. They may interfere with the
absorption of other drugs so should be taken either one hour
before or four hours after other therapeutic agents. The resins
theoretically may interfere with the absorption of fat soluble
vitamins and folic acid but this is not a major problem in practice.
However, perhaps with increasing indication of the role of homo-
cysteine as a risk factor, folic acid supplements might be
recommended in patients on resins.
