Lowering cholesterol isn't just about . , , and are powerful allies in the fight against high lipids. These meds work in different ways to tackle LDL, triglycerides, and boost good HDL.
Each drug has its quirks. can cause tummy troubles and mess with other meds. Fibrates might make muscles ache. Niacin can make you flush like crazy. But with the right know-how, these side effects can be managed for better heart health.
Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, and Niacin
Bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin lipid-lowering agents
Bile acid sequestrants bind to bile acids in intestine preventing reabsorption primarily lowering (, , )
Niacin (vitamin B3, ) inhibits synthesis and release of from liver lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, increasing HDL cholesterol
Bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin reduce lipid levels
Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in intestine forming insoluble complex excreted in feces reducing bile acid reabsorption causing liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids lowering blood cholesterol levels
Fibrates activate PPAR-α nuclear receptor regulating increasing activity enhancing breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins reducing VLDL production increasing LDL removal from bloodstream
Side effects drug interactions lipid-lowering medications
Bile acid sequestrants cause , , nausea, , abdominal discomfort and decrease absorption of other medications (, thyroid hormones, digoxin)
Fibrates cause gastrointestinal disturbances, rash, myalgia, fatigue, headache and increase risk of when combined with statins potentiating anticoagulant effects
Niacin causes , , gastrointestinal disturbances, hyperglycemia, and potentiates effects of antihypertensives increasing risk of myopathy with statins
Nursing considerations administering bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin
Bile acid sequestrants administer with plenty of fluids to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, separate administration from other medications by at least 2 hours, monitor for recommending high-fiber diet and hydration
Fibrates assess for signs of myopathy especially when combined with statins, monitor periodically, educate patients about importance of reporting muscle pain or weakness
Niacin administer with food to reduce flushing and gastrointestinal side effects, gradually increase dose to minimize side effects, monitor glucose and levels especially in patients with diabetes or , educate patients about management of flushing (taking aspirin before administration)
Patient education plan lipid-lowering drugs
Bile acid sequestrants explain mechanism of action and importance of lowering LDL cholesterol, provide strategies to manage constipation (high-fiber diet, adequate hydration), emphasize need to separate administration of other medications
Fibrates discuss benefits of lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol, advise patients to report any muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine, encourage regular follow-up visits for monitoring liver function and lipid levels
Niacin explain multiple lipid-lowering effects, provide strategies to manage flushing (taking aspirin, gradual dose titration), advise patients to report any persistent side effects or worsening of preexisting conditions, emphasize importance of regular glucose and uric acid monitoring