This program is supported by:

The Pharmacology of Medications Use to Treat Dyslipidemia


Presented by Alan P. Agins, BS, MS, PhD
President - PRN Associates, Ltd. - Continuing Medical Education

Alan P. Agins earned his BS in psychology from State University of New York (Brockport). He also received a Masters in Pharmacology & Toxicology and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. Over the past fourteen years, Dr. Agins has presented lectures and continuing education programs nationally to over 50,000 healthcare professionals (physicians, NPs, nurses, PAs, pharmacists, dentists, etc). He is currently an adjunct associate professor at Brown University where he was the recipient of the medical school’s “Dean's Teaching Excellence Award” for five consecutive years. He has authored a book, written CE monographs, textbook chapters and currently writes a monthly newsletter for Lexi-Comp. Most recently he wrote, and performed in, a series of entertaining video vignettes that were published as an educational DVD (+ workbook) for nursing students by Elsevier.

Course Description: 

This session will initially review the biochemistry and normal role of lipoproteins (VLDLs, LDLs, HDLs) followed by the pathophysiological implications which occur when these lipoproteins are above or below their normal physiological range. We will them go on to examine the basic and clinical pharmacology of the medications used in treating dylipidemia including: the bile acid binding resins, statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, nicotinic acid derivatives and omega-3 fatty acids. Within this framework, we will examine the indications, mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, interactions, rationale for combinations, monitoring parameters, laboratory values and implications for patient education.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the physiological and potential pathophysiological roles of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDLs, LDLs and HDLs
2. Describe the mechanisms of action for each class of drugs and their major lipid target (cholesterol or triglycerides).
3. Recognize the potential for both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between drugs used for dyslipidemia and other medications.
4. List the most common side effects associated with each of the classes of medications for dyslipidemia and the most potentially dangerous adverse effects.
5. Discuss the types of laboratory tests that should be conducted prior to and/or during therapy with selected classes of drugs for dyslipidemia.

Faculty Disclosure:

RxSchool has a Full and Fair Disclosure Policy that requires course faculty to communicate any real or apparent commercial affiliations related to the content of their presentations/materials. Alan P. Agins has nothing to disclose.

System Requirements

This is a live presentation delivered over the internet. In order to see and hear the program properly, you must have the following: Broadband internet connection, such as T1, Cable, or high-speed DSL. Before enrolling in this program, please test your internet connection here. It is important that you take this test on the same computer and network you will be using the day of the live presentation. Dial-up or modem is not supported. Lower-grade DSL may not provide a quality experience. Connecting via wireless network is not recommended.   RxSchool makes every effort to ensure maximum quality of our live online CE; however, please be aware that network difficulties beyond our control may occur. Computer speakers or headphones. Flash Player 6 or higher. Click here for a free download of the latest version. Refunds will not be issued to users who have not successfully tested the classroom. If you're having troubles, please contact Tech Support (877-217-8129) before you sign up for a live online program.

This event has limited enrollment, so you must pre-register to attend.

Target Audience: Pharmacists

Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm ET 
         11:00 to 12:30 pm CT 
         10:00 to 11:30 am MT
         9:00 to 10:30 am PT

Location: Internet Broadcast - RxSchool Live E-Classroom

ACPE Accreditation Credit Hours: 1.5 Expiration Date: 07/22/2010 ACPE UPN: 372-000-07-024-L01     RxSchool is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.