Final answer:
Drugs that work by inhibition of sterol absorption include sitosterol, which prevents dietary cholesterol absorption, and statins, which inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Other drugs contribute to lowering cholesterol through different mechanisms, such as increasing fecal excretion of cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drugs that work by the inhibition of sterol absorption effectively reduce cholesterol levels in the body. One such agent is sitosterol, which blocks cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Another means to lower cholesterol is through drugs like statins. These drugs are inhibitors of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, responsible for synthesizing cholesterol from lipids in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins help reduce the body's cholesterol synthesis. Other drugs, such as nicotinic acids (e.g., Lovastatin), bile sequestrants, and thyroid active substances, contribute to cholesterol management by increasing fecal excretion or modifying the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol.
Important Medications in Cholesterol Management
- Statins: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Lovastatin (Advicor)
- Nicotinic Acids
- Bile Sequestrants
Additionally, drugs like neomycin, clofibrate, and nicotinic acid aid the process by increasing the fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids, while acetaminophen acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, although it's primarily used for fever and pain relief and not for cholesterol management.