Condition Guide

Medications for Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)

ICD-10: E78.5

Overview

Hyperlipidemia, often called high cholesterol, means you have too much fat-like substance (cholesterol) and other fats (triglycerides) in your blood. It's very common, affecting millions of adults, and often has no symptoms until it causes serious problems. If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes, making it a major health concern.

Treatment Overview

Treating high cholesterol usually starts with lifestyle changes like eating healthier, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. If these changes aren't enough, doctors often prescribe medications like statins to lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, especially for very high levels or specific types of hyperlipidemia, a specialist like a cardiologist may be involved to create a personalized treatment plan.

Common Symptoms

Often no symptoms until advanced disease
Chest pain (angina) if arteries are narrowed
Heart attack symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, arm pain)
Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking)
Pain in legs when walking (peripheral artery disease)
Yellowish fatty deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma)
Fatty lumps under the skin (xanthomas)
Blurred vision (rare, due to severe lipid deposits)

34

Total Medications

0

First-Line Options

27

Off-Label Uses

Off-Label Uses

LISINOPRIL

(Lisinopril)Off-Label

Lisinopril is a medication in a class called ACE inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, help manage heart failure, and improve outcomes after a heart attack. This medication works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart.

$4–$15/month

Generic Available

RAMIPRIL

(Ramipril)Off-Label

Ramipril is a medication in a class called ACE inhibitors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. By helping to relax your blood vessels, it lowers blood pressure and can also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and help manage heart failure after a heart attack.

$4–$25/month

BENAZEPRIL HYDROCHLORIDE

(Benazepril Hydrochloride)Off-Label

Benazepril is a medication in a class called ACE inhibitors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$50–$150/month

QUINAPRIL

(QUINAPRIL)Off-Label

Quinapril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$500/month

QUINAPRIL HYDROCHLORIDE

(Quinapril)Off-Label

Quinapril (Quinapril Hydrochloride) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering the pressure on artery walls. By reducing high blood pressure, Quinapril helps decrease the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$150–$400/month

PERINDOPRIL ERBUMINE

(Perindopril Erbumine)Off-Label

Perindopril Erbumine is an ACE inhibitor medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to reduce the risk of heart attack or death in people with stable coronary artery disease. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

$50–$150/month

ATENOLOL

(Atenolol)Off-Label

Atenolol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It works by helping to relax blood vessels and slow down your heart rate, which lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$4–$25/month

NADOLOL

(Nadolol)Off-Label

Nadolol (Nadolol) is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It is prescribed to help manage chest pain (angina pectoris) and to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). By blocking certain natural chemicals in the body, Nadolol helps to slow the heart rate and relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

$200–$500/month

NEBIVOLOL

(Nebivolol)Off-Label

Nebivolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). By helping to relax blood vessels and slow the heart rate, it lowers blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$500/month

METOPROLOL TARTRATE

(METOPROLOL TARTRATE)Off-Label

Metoprolol Tartrate is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and to improve outcomes after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart's workload.

$4–$25/month

METOPROLOL SUCCINATE ER TABLETS

(Metoprolol Succinate)Off-Label

Metoprolol Succinate ER is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker that helps relax blood vessels and slow your heart rate. It is prescribed to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and heart failure, helping to reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$10–$40/month

METOPROLOL SUCCINATE

(Metoprolol Succinate)Off-Label

METOPROLOL SUCCINATE (brand name: Metoprolol Succinate) is a Beta-Blockers. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, metoprolol succinate, beta-adrenergic blocker indicated for the treatment of: • Hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and…

$4-$25/month

NEBIVOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE

(nebivolol)Off-Label

Nebivolol is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by helping to slow your heart rate and relax blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$500/month

LOSARTAN POTASSIUM

(Losartan Potassium)Off-Label

Losartan Potassium is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, which helps reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks. It also helps protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and can lower the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.

$4–$25/month

VALSARTAN

(Valsartan)Off-Label

VALSARTAN (brand name: Valsartan) is a ARBs. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: Hypertension in adults and children six years and older, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial…

$10–$40/month

IRBESARTAN

(Irbesartan)Off-Label

IRBESARTAN (brand name: Irbesartan) is a ARBs. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Irbesartan tablet is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: • Treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. ( 1.1 ) •…

$4-$25/month

OLMESARTAN MEDOXOMIL-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

(olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide)Off-Label

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by combining two different types of blood pressure medications: one that relaxes blood vessels and another that helps your body remove extra salt and water. By lowering blood pressure, this medication helps reduce your risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$500/month

OLMESARTAN MEDOXOMIL

(olmesartan medoxomil)Off-Label

Olmesartan Medoxomil is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged six and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$15–$50/month

TELMISARTAN

(Telmisartan)Off-Label

Telmisartan (brand name: Telmisartan) is a medication known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, helping to relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. By lowering blood pressure, Telmisartan helps reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$10-$30/month

CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL

(CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL)Off-Label

Candesartan Cilexetil is a medication known as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, which helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication also helps manage heart failure by improving symptoms and reducing hospitalizations.

$10–$50/month

CANDESARTAN

(Candesartan)Off-Label

Candesartan is a medication belonging to a class called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, and also to manage heart failure in adults. This medicine works by helping to relax your blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on your heart.

$4–$25/month

AZILSARTAN KAMEDOXOMIL

(Edarbi)Off-Label

Edarbi (azilsartan kamedoxomil) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It works by blocking certain natural substances that tighten blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$400/month

FELODIPINE

(Felodipine)Off-Label

Felodipine is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart-related problems.

$15-$40/month

AMLODIPINE

(NORLIQVA)Off-Label

NORLIQVA (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker medication. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, and also to manage certain heart conditions like angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.

$200–$500/month

FELODIPINE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS

(Felodipine)Off-Label

Felodipine Extended-Release Tablets are a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker, used to treat high blood pressure. By relaxing and widening blood vessels, this medication helps to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$150–$400/month

AMLODIPINE BESYLATE

(Amlodipine Besylate)Off-Label

Amlodipine Besylate is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart.

$4–$25/month

VERAPAMIL HYDROCHLORIDE

(VERAPAMIL HYDROCHLORIDE)Off-Label

Verapamil Hydrochloride is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker, used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, certain types of irregular heartbeats, and chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce the heart's workload.

$200–$500/month

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)?

Hyperlipidemia means you have too much cholesterol and other fats, called triglycerides, in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build healthy cells, but too much can cause problems. It can build up in your arteries, making them narrow and hard, which increases your risk for heart disease.

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be caused by many things. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats, not getting enough exercise, and being overweight are common causes. Genetics can also play a big role, meaning it can run in families. Other conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and an underactive thyroid can also contribute.

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

High cholesterol is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test measures your total cholesterol, LDL ('bad') cholesterol, HDL ('good') cholesterol, and triglycerides. You usually need to fast (not eat or drink anything but water) for 9-12 hours before the test for the most accurate results.

What are the treatment options for high cholesterol?

Treatment for high cholesterol often begins with lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, losing weight if needed, and quitting smoking. If these aren't enough, your doctor might prescribe medications such as statins (like simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), which are very effective at lowering cholesterol. Other medications may also be used depending on your specific needs.

Can high cholesterol be cured?

High cholesterol is usually a lifelong condition that needs ongoing management rather than a 'cure.' While you can significantly lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your health risks through lifestyle changes and medication, it often requires continuous effort. If you stop treatment, your cholesterol levels may rise again.

How can I manage high cholesterol day-to-day?

Managing high cholesterol daily involves making healthy choices. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated and trans fats. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking your prescribed medications exactly as directed are also crucial. Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor your levels and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.