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There are six classes of cholesterol lowering medications. Sometimes a combination of medications is needed to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
| Cholesterol Lowering Drugs | Administration Recommendations |
|---|---|
HMG Co-A Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
|
Take lovastatin with food. Other statins may be taken with or without food. Many statins work best when taken in the evening, but these medications can be taken any time during the day. |
| Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia) |
May be taken with or without food |
Fibrates
|
Take Lofibra once daily with meals. Antara, Triglide, and Tricor can be taken once daily with or without food. Take gemfibrozil % hour before morning and evening meals. |
|
Mix powder or granules with 6 ounces of liquid. Take tablets with water. Take at mealtime. Take other medications 1 hour before or 4 hours after medications from this group. |
Omega-3 Acid Ethyl Esters
|
Take with food May be taken once daily or dose may be divided into two doses. |
Niacin
|
Take immediate release niacin with meals. Take slow release niacin at bedtime with a low fat snack. Do not break, crush or chew. |
Combination Products
|
May be taken once daily with or without food. |