Alternate-day dosing of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for cholesterol reduction.
OBJECTIVE
Assess efficacy, safety, and cost of alternate-day dosing with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (HRIs).


METHODS
International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and MEDLINE (English-language clinical trials, 1966-April 2000) were searched.


RESULTS
Established efficacy of HRIs is based on daily administration. Many patients who could benefit from these agents are unable to afford them; therefore, alternate-day dosing may be a solution for reducing expense without decreasing therapy benefits. Studies addressing alternate-day HRI therapy are evaluated to determine the usefulness of this option for cholesterol reduction.


CONCLUSIONS
Although limited studies imply a trend toward benefit with alternate-day HRI therapy, large, controlled, randomized trials are needed before making this a standard recommendation.
Metz
C A
CA
Bertek Pharmaceuticals Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Lucas
K H
KH
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors