Hyperlipidemia : Part 2. Pharmacologic management

Pharmacologic therapy for lipid disorders is now dominated by hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins). They have been conclusively proved to prevent coronary events and save lives in a wide variety of situations and are acceptably safe. Alternatives to statins include resins (eg, cholestyramine), fibric acid derivatives (eg, gemfibrozil), and nicotinic acid (table 1, see p 400). They all have a place in lipid management but should be considered second-line agents. Table 1 Agents for treating hyperlipidemia