44 Drugs that affect lipid metabolism

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the different aspects of drugs that affect lipid metabolism. Ezetimibe selectively and potently blocks intestinal absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol and has an adverse event profile similar to that of placebo. Co-administration of ezetimibe and fenofibrate in 32 healthy subjects with hypercholesterolemia resulted in no significant changes in laboratory test results, including enzymes indicative of muscle or liver injury. It is found that co-administration of ezetimibe and lovastatin in 48 healthy men resulted in no significant changes in laboratory test results, including enzymes indicative of muscle or liver damage. Co-enzyme Q10 concentrations were measured in blood from hypercholesterolemic subjects before and after exposure to atorvastatin 80 mg/day for 14 and 30 days in 34 subjects eligible for statin treatment. It is found that in 14 asymptomatic patients statin therapy worsened left ventricular diastolic function and co-enzyme Q10 supplementation produced improvement. The clinical course and muscle biopsy findings have been described in eight patients with hyperlipoproteinemia taking lipid-lowering drugs that developed myalgias or proximal muscle weakness.