Lipid altering medications commonly used in the United States

Medication class Medication examples Effects on blood lipids 
statins Pravachol, Mevacor, Lipitor, Lescol, Crestor, Zocor Most effective in lowering LDL, mildly effective in increasing HDL, mildly effective in lowering triglycerides 
Nicotinic acid (Niacin) Niacin, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin Most effective in increasing HDL, effective in lowering triglycerides, mildly to modestly effective in lowering LDL 
Fibric acid Lopid, Tricor Most effective in lowering triglycerides, effective in increasing HDL, minimally effective in lowering LDL 
Bile acid sequestrants Questran, Welchol, Colestid Mildly to modestly effective in lowering LDL, no effect on HDL and triglycerides 
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors Zetia Mildly to modestly effective in lowering LDL, no effect on HDL and triglycerides 
Combining nicotinic acid with statin Advicor (lovastatin+niaspan) Effective in lowering LDL and triglycerides and increasing HDL
Combining a statin with an absorption inhibitor Vytorin (Zocor + Zetia) Synergistic in lowering LDL and effective in lowering LDL with low doses of each ingredient