Pharmacology department: pharmacologic approaches to abnormal blood lipids

There are currently four classes of drugs available to treat dyslipidemia: niacin, bile acid-binding resins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, and fibric acid derivatives. Each acts at a unique point in a complex set of interrelated lipid metabolic pathways. The mechanism of action and adverse effects of these four classes are reviewed briefly. The efficacy of antioxidants and the importance of compliance issues are described.