Table of contents:
- How do statin drugs work to lower cholesterol levels?
- Why should you take statins at night?
- Statins can be taken in the morning, but depending on the type
- What you need to know when taking 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 path to healing is by following what the doctor said. But are you curious about the reason? Then, can statins be taken in the morning?
How do statin drugs work to lower cholesterol levels?
Statins are drugs commonly prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Specifically, these drugs help lower LDL cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein) or what we usually know as bad fats. If your blood contains too much LDL, this fat can build up and build up on the walls of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and causing blockages. LDL has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
This cholesterol-lowering drug works in two ways: it blocks the enzymes the body needs to produce cholesterol, and it also helps reduce fatty plaque that has built up in blood vessels. Therefore, statin drugs are known to lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Why should you take statins at night?
There are very many brands of statin drugs circulating in the community. Most statins are consumed every 24 hours. Some types of statins can work more optimally if taken after meals, while some are better if taken at night. This is due to enzymes that make cholesterol more active at night.
Some types of statin drugs have a half-life of less than 6 hours, these types of drugs are usually best taken at night. Simvastatin is an example. Several studies have shown that when simvastatin is taken at night, this drug will reduce more LDL cholesterol than if taken in the morning.
Lovastatin, is a type of statin that must be consumed at dinner. While the slow release type of lovastatin is better consumed when you want to sleep. Fluvastatin - which has a half-life of three hours is also better taken at night.
Statins can be taken in the morning, but depending on the type
Several studies have shown that newer types of statins are equally effective when taken in the morning. These drugs include atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Both types of drugs have a longer half-life, which is 14 hours. You can even take slow-release fluvastatin at any time.
What you need to know when taking statins
It is important that you understand that not all statin drugs are the same. Therefore, you need to first look at what type of statin drug you are taking. Always follow the instructions given by the doctor for maximum results. Ask clearly when you should take your medicine, and if you need to take it after meals. This medication works best when it is taken at the same time each day.
You also need to know that some types of statins are not good if taken at the same time grapefruit. Grapefruit can make this drug last longer in the body so that it eventually builds up. The buildup of statins can increase the risk of muscle rupture, liver damage, and even kidney failure. If the package does not contain information about your statin drug interactions with grapefruit, then you can ask your doctor about this.
Statins can also interact with several other drugs. Therefore, always consult your doctor about what medicines you will take, including supplements and other over-the-counter drugs.
Statins can also have some side effects such as muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, and headaches. More serious side effects include muscle, kidney, and liver damage. If you have type 2 diabetes, statins can also raise your blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of any side effects after taking your cholesterol-lowering medicine.
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