Which class of cholesterol medications is associated with the risk of rhabdomyolysis?

Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering medications widely used in clinical practice. They work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. While statins are effective at reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and have cardiovascular protective effects, they are associated with several side effects.

One significant risk associated with statin use is rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers, leading to the release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream. This can result in complications such as kidney damage due to the myoglobin released from damaged muscles.

The mechanism behind statin-associated rhabdomyolysis is not fully understood, but it may be related to statin effects on muscle metabolism or increased enzyme levels that lead to muscle breakdown. Patients on statins, particularly those receiving high doses or who have additional risk factors (such as advanced age, co-administration of certain other medications, or underlying muscle disorders), should be monitored for muscle symptoms and enzyme levels.

Other classes of cholesterol medications listed do not have the same association with rhabdomyolysis. Fibrates can also cause muscle-related side effects, but the risk