What drug classes are used to lower cholesterol?

In the United States, there are five:

1. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ("statins") such as Lipitor or Zocor

2. Fibric Acid derivatives such as TriCor or Trilipix

3. Niacin such as prescription Niaspan

4. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as Zetia

5. Bile acid binders such as WellChol or Questran

Combinations may also be used.

All of these drugs should only be used under direction from a physician or other health care provider.