Statins

Other names: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins

What are Statins

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, selectively inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase) that is involved in the synthesis of mevalonate, a precursor of sterols including cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol production is decreased. Statins also increase the number of LDL receptors on liver cells, which enhances the uptake and breakdown of LDL-cholesterol. Most of the effects of statins occur in the liver.

Research has shown that elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.

Statins may be used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia (also called dyslipidemia or high cholesterol) and are most effective at lowering LDL-cholesterol.

List of Statins:

Drug Name ( View by: Brand | Generic )	Reviews	Ratings
Altocor (More...) generic name: lovastatin	0 reviews		10
Altoprev (Pro, More...) generic name: lovastatin	2 reviews		9.5
Lescol (Pro, More...) generic name: fluvastatin	2 reviews		8.0
Mevacor (Pro, More...) generic name: lovastatin	3 reviews		7.5
Pravachol (Pro, More...) generic name: pravastatin	7 reviews		7.4
Crestor (Pro, More...) generic name: rosuvastatin	84 reviews		6.6
Lipitor (Pro, More...) generic name: atorvastatin	52 reviews		6.2
Livalo (Pro, More...) generic name: pitavastatin	46 reviews		5.8
Zocor (Pro, More...) generic name: simvastatin	20 reviews		5.4
Baycol (More...) generic name: cerivastatin	0 reviews		0.0
Lescol XL (More...) generic name: fluvastatin	0 reviews		0.0