Calcium Channel Blockers are used to treat hypertension and heart rhythm disturbances.
Calcium channel blockers inhibit the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. This reduces cardiac contractility and vascular smooth muscle tone. These two actions result in a decreased blood pressure.
*Also contains Trandolapril
**Also contains Benazepril
***Also includes Atorvastatin
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2-Azetidinones (Cholesterol absorption inhibitors) are used to reduce cholesterol levels. Ezetimibe is the only 2-Azetidinone on the market.
Ezetimibe is a cholesterol lowering medication that acts by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. Ezetimibe binds to the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein on intestinal epithelial cells and hepatocytes, preventing the absorption of dietary cholesterol. This leads to lower serum cholesterol levels.
Because Ezetimibe works in a way very different than statins. Combining ezetimibe and a statin can result in even lower cholesterol levels than each drug could acheive if taken alone.
| Medication Name |
Generic Available |
Discount Programs |
| Ezetimibe (Zetia, Vytorin*) |
No |
Patent expires in 2014 |
|
|
|
*Also contains simvastatin
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HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver and other tissues. Statins also increase the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, causing lower serum LDL levels.
Statins are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 60%.
Statins also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Statins are well-tolerated, but have two rare but significant side effects: liver and muscle injury.
Three statins are available in generic form.
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