Nowadays it’s possible to lower the level of cholesterol by special treatment and medication. Though it may have side effects, it becomes more popular today. Besides if you have the other risk factors for heart disease, medication may be rather helpful.

Usually two types of cholesterol medication are distinguished:

1) medications, which reduces cholesterol, provided by the liver
2) medications, which reduce cholesterol, taken in into the body from the food

To the first type of medication belong Statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They block the production of cholesterol by the liver and are believed to be rather effective. Statins comprise Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Fluvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin and Rosuvastatin. Usual side effects, which they can cause, add up to constipation, upset stomach and sometimes joint pain. But the liver is damaged rather rarely, which makes this kind of medication rather popular.

Among the most popular medication of the second type we distinguish nicotinic acid (niacin), fibrates and zetia.

Niacin is a vitamin of the B complex that while reducing levels of bad cholesterol, increases levels of good cholesterol. The side effects are usually rather insignificant and add up to tingling or itching, sometimes headaches.
What concern the work of fibrates, they reduce the levels of triglyceride and increase the levels of good cholesterol. They are usually taken by patients, who have type 2 diabetes or who cannot tolerate statins. The side effects add up to anaemia, temporary blurred vision, muscle aching.

Zetia, also known as ezetimble, works by reducing cholesterol, taken in from food. Frequently it is used along with statins, what makes the treatment more effective. Comparing to other medications the side effects which could be caused by taking zetia are more harmful. It may lead to fever, joint pain, headaches, besides liver damage is also possible.

Before taking any kind of the mentioned medication you should first of all consult the doctor, who would recommend you the best alternative.

 Furthermore, while taking drugs you should have the levels of cholesterol in the blood constantly being checked.

At the same time cholesterol medication won’t have any good results if you continue to eat fat foods and don’t change your lifestyle. The process of lowering cholesterol levels should combine treatment and your own attempts.