STATINS

Introduction
Illustrated mechanism of action
Examples of Medication Brand Names (with Images)
Indication
Side Effects
Precautions & Contraindications
Monographs
Reference

HISTORY:

1. 1970s: Research began to find drugs that lower cholesterol. In 1976, Japanese scientist Akira Endo discovered the first statin compound (compactin or mevastatin) from the fungus Penicillium.

2. 1980s: Pharmaceutical companies developed and tested statins. Lovastatin, the first statin approved for medical use, was launched by Merck in 1987.

3. 1990s–2000s: Newer statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) were introduced, showing strong results in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular events.

4. Today: Statins are among the most prescribed drugs globally and are a key treatment in preventing heart disease.

Mechanism Of Action

Brand Name Of Medication

Rosuvastatin(Crestor)

Pravastatin(Lipostat)

Simvastatin(Zocor)

Lovastatin(Altoprev)

Fluvastatin(Lescol XL)

Atorvastatin(Atrovaliq)

Pitavastatin(Livaol)

Cerivastatin(Baycol)

Indication:

-Statin are primarily prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease;

-treatment of hyperlipidemia/dislipidemia for adult with high LDL cholesterol

-cardiovascular prevention:

* primary prevention :for adults aged 40-75 with CVD Risk (diabetes,hypertension,smoking)

*secondary prevention:post-heart attack,stroke or coronary artery disease to prevent recurrence.

-Risk factor management:recommended for patient with diabetes,chronic kidney disease or atherosclerosis.

Side Effects:

The most common side effect of statin include:

-Headache

-Hard time sleeping

-Flushing of skin

-muscle weakness(myalgia),tenderness

-drowsiness,dizziness

-nausea or vomiting

-belly cramping or pain

-diarrhea

-constipation

-rash

-low levels of blood platelets.

Precaution&Contraindication

contraindications of statins:

Absolute Contraindications:

1. Active liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis with ongoing liver enzyme elevation)

2. Pregnancy and lactation

Statins are teratogenic and should be avoided due to potential harm to the fetus.

3. Hypersensitivity or allergy to statins

4. Use with certain strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for some statins like atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin) because of increased risk of serious side effects like muscle damage.

Relative Contraindications / Caution Advised:

1. Chronic liver disease (stable but requires monitoring)

2. High alcohol intake (due to increased risk of liver damage)

3. Use with certain drugs that increase risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (e.g., gemfibrozil, certain antibiotics or antifungals, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine)

4. Older adults (increased risk of side effects like muscle symptoms)

5. Renal impairment (especially with certain statins like rosuvastatin—dosing adjustment may be needed).