BEMPEDOIC ACID : Mechanism of Action, Indications, uses, Administration, Side Effects
Bempedoic acid is a medication used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Here are the details regarding bempedoic acid's chemical formula, mechanism of action, indications, uses, administration, and side effects:
Chemical Formula:
The chemical formula for bempedoic acid is C19H18O4.
Mechanism of Action:
Bempedoic acid belongs to a class of medications known as adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors.
It works by inhibiting the enzyme ACL, which plays a role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting ACL, bempedoic acid reduces the production of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the blood.
Indications:
Bempedoic acid is indicated for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia in patients who require additional LDL-C lowering despite maximally tolerated statin therapy.
It is used as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy to further reduce LDL-C levels.
Uses:
Bempedoic acid is used as a treatment option to lower LDL-C levels in patients with elevated cholesterol levels who are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes.
It is typically prescribed when statin therapy alone is not sufficient or not well-tolerated. Bempedoic acid is often used in combination with other lipid-lowering medications, such as statins or ezetimibe, to achieve optimal cholesterol management.
Administration:
Bempedoic acid is taken orally in the form of tablets. The recommended dosage and administration instructions may vary depending on the specific patient and the treatment plan determined by healthcare professionals.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines provided by healthcare professionals.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of bempedoic acid may include muscle pain or myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and influenza.
Other potential side effects may include gout, tendon rupture, and an increased risk of liver enzyme abnormalities. It is important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before starting treatment with bempedoic acid.
As with any medication, it is important to regularly monitor liver function and muscle symptoms during bempedoic acid treatment.
Patients should promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness to their healthcare professional.