How are potential drug interactions managed with cholesterol lowering drugs?
Drug interactions are a significant concern with cholesterol lowering drugs, particularly statins. Statins are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzymes, and other drugs that inhibit or induce these enzymes can alter statin levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. It's crucial to review a patient's complete medication list for potential interactions. For example, combining statins with grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects due to enzyme inhibition. Monitoring and adjusting dosages may be necessary to manage these interactions effectively.
