Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: Statins, Ezetimibe, Bile Acid Sequestrants, and Combinations: Comparative Efficacy and Safety

Statins, ezetimibe, and bile acid-binding resins can be used individually or in combination for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Statins are the most potent drugs for lowering LDL-C and are well tolerated in most patients. The addition of a bile acid sequestrant or ezetimibe to a statin produces additional LDL-C reduction allowing many patients to reach LDL-C targets. This article discusses the efficacy and safety of available statins, bile acid sequestrants, and ezetimibe in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.