What are some common cholesterol-lowering drugs?

Common cholesterol-reducing drugs include drugs classified as statins, such as Crestor and Lipitor, and drugs classified as fibrates, such as Lopid and TriCor, states Mayo Clinic. Each medicine works a certain way, and doctors prescribe a single drug or a combination, depending on an individual patient's needs.

Statins work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the liver, according to WebMD. This lowers low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, while mildly raising high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. Fibrates work by reducing the production of triglycerides in the first place. They also raise HDL levels. Additional cholesterol-lowering medicines include bile-acid resins, such as Welchol, which work by preventing bile from being absorbed in the intestine.