List the five classes of lipid–lowering drugs, mechanisms of action, major side effects, and their impact on lipids.
| Type of drug | Mechanism of action | Major side effects | Impact on lipids |
| Statins (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin*, simvastatin*, lovastatin*, pravastatin, fluvastatin) |
HMG CoA reductase inhibitor | Myositis (<0.1%) Rhabdomyolysis (<0.01%) Increased LFT (2-3%) CYP3A4 inhibition* |
LDL: 25-60% Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin: TG lowers: 15-33% |
| Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, bezafibrate) |
PPAR α-agonist | GI, skin rash | TG: 30-50% |
| Ezitimibe | Cholesterol absorption inhibitor | LDL: 18% | |
| Nicotinic acid | Decreases FFA flux | Flushing PUD Gout Increased LFTs IGT |
HDL: 30-35% TG, LDL: 20% |
| Bile acid sequestrants, colesteryramine | Bile acid absorption inhibitor | Constipation | LDL: 25% TG if already high |
