Cholesterol is a lipid manufactured by the liver from dietary fatty foods. It is found in every cell of the human body as it is vital in the body’s normal functioning, including maintaining hormone and vitamin D production (Saathoff, 2018). Hyperlipidemia is a condition where patients have excessively high levels of lipids in the blood. Hyperlipidemia is a serious health condition as it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are the recommended drug regimens to treat the condition.
Statins are enzyme inhibitors that directly affect the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. The most commonly used statins in the U.S. include lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin (Saathoff, 2018). A high dosage of Statin is recommended for patients between 21 to 75 years with increased risk factors regarding stroke and heart diseases, such as very high cholesterol levels (Saathoff, 2018). Statin dosage is reduced for diabetic patients, while pregnant women are advised to refrain from using the drug as it can result in limb deformities and central nervous system defects (Saathoff, 2018). Additionally, Statin should not be used by older adults unless for secondary prevention.
Statins are administered orally as tablets and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The timing of statin administration is crucial due to their different half-lives and the time it takes for the body to process the drug. Additionally, timing doses correctly can enhance the effects of statin medication. Statins with short half-lives, such as simvastatin, should be taken before bedtime to ensure the highest drug concentration during the body’s natural cholesterol synthesis (Saathoff, 2018). The long half-life statins such as pitavastatin and atorvastatin allow for flexibility in administration and thus can be taken at any time of the day. Statins sometimes have mild side effects, such as muscle pain and a decline in memory in dementia patients (Saathoff, 2018). It is vital for patients taking Statin to avoid red yeast rice and grapefruit juice as they interfere with the drug’s mechanism. Patients should provide current medications to clinicians to prevent severe drug interactions.
Reference
Saathoff, A. (2018). Statin status. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! 16(1), 7–9. Web.