Contents:
- Medical Video: Mayo Clinic Minute: Should You Take Statins?
- How do statin drugs work to reduce cholesterol levels?
- Why should statins be taken at night?
- Statins may be taken in the morning, but depending on the type
- What you need to know when taking statins
Medical Video: Mayo Clinic Minute: Should You Take Statins?
For those of you who are managing cholesterol levels, your doctor will usually instruct you to take cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) once a day at night. The road to healing is to obey what the doctor says. But are you curious about the reason? Then, can a statin drug be taken in the morning?
How do statin drugs work to reduce cholesterol levels?
Statins are drugs commonly prescribed by doctors to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Specifically, this drug helps lower LDL cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein) or what we usually know with bad fats. If your blood contains too much LDL, then this fat can accumulate and crust on the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow and causing blockages. LDL is often associated with increased risk coronary heart disease.
These cholesterol-lowering drugs work in two ways: inhibiting the enzymes the body needs to produce cholesterol, and also helps reduce the fat plaque that has formed in the blood vessels. Therefore, statin drugs are known to reduce your risk of experiencing stroke or heart attack.
Why should statins be taken at night?
There are very many statin drug brands circulating in the community. Most statin groups are consumed every 24 hours. Some types of statins can work more optimally if taken after meals, while others are better if consumed at night. This is due to an enzyme that makes cholesterol more active at night.
Some types of statin drugs have a half-life of less than 6 hours, this type of drug is usually the type that is best consumed at night. Simvastatin is one example. Some studies show that when simvastatin is taken at night, this drug will reduce more LDL cholesterol than if consumed in the morning.
Lovastatin, is a type of statin that must be consumed at dinner. While the slow release lovastatin type is better consumed when you want to sleep. Fluvastatin - which has a half-life of three hours is also better consumed at night.
Statins may be taken in the morning, but depending on the type
Some studies show that newer types of statins have the same effectiveness when consumed in the morning. These drugs include atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Both types of drugs have a longer half-life, which is for 14 hours. Fluvastatin slow release types can even be taken at any time.
What you need to know when taking statins
It is important for you to understand that not all types of statin drugs are the same. Therefore, you need to look first, what kind of statin drug you are taking. Always obey the instructions given by the doctor for maximum results. Ask clearly when you should take your medicine, and whether you need to take it after meals. This medicine works best when consumed at the same time every day.
You also need to know that some types of statins are not good if taken together grapefruit. Grapefruit can make this drug last longer in the body and eventually accumulate. Stacking of statins can increase the risk of muscle rupture, liver damage, and even kidney failure. If on the packaging there is no information about your statin drug interactions with grapefruit, then you can ask the doctor about this.
Statins can also interact with several other types of drugs. Therefore, always consult with your doctor about what medicines you will take, including supplements and other over-the-counter medicines.
Statins can also provide some side effects such as muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and headaches. More serious side effects include damage to the muscles, kidneys and liver. If you suffer type 2 diabetesstatins can also increase your blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of side effects after taking your cholesterol-lowering medication.
