Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBeta BlockersPrednisoneAmiodaroneCyclosporineAnabolic SteroidsProtease InhibitorsDiureticsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Beta Blockers
Prednisone
Amiodarone
Cyclosporine
Anabolic Steroids
Protease Inhibitors
Diuretics
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the drugs that treat other medical conditions, such ashigh blood pressure, can affect cholesterol levels. Medications that may cause high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol include beta-blockers, prednisone, cyclosporine, anabolic steroids, and more.
Cholesterolis a waxy substance that your body uses to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. However, if you have too much “bad” cholesterol, calledlow-density lipoprotein (LDL), or too little “good” cholesterol," calledhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL), it can contribute to serious health problems likeheart disease.
Even if you are on medications to control your cholesterol, you may find that other drugs you take can reduce their effectiveness. In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage of one or both drugs to get your cholesterol back under control.
This article looks at some of the more commonly prescribed drugs that are known to affect cholesterol levels and what can be done if this occurs.
Verywell / Maritsa Patrinos
Beta-blockersare medications that are normally prescribed to treathigh blood pressure. Though they’re commonly used to treat different forms of heart disease, beta-blockers can reduce HDL levels.
Beta blockers that cause this include:
Despite these concerns, the benefits of beta blockers usually outweigh the risks (and the effects, if any, tend to be small). If your beta blocker affects your cholesterol significantly, your healthcare provider may lower your dose or change your blood pressure medication.
How High Blood Pressure Is Treated
Prednisone is a type of drug used to reduce inflammation. It belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids and is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including severe allergic reactions, certain types of arthritis,lupus,multiple sclerosis, andinflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Prednisone is incredibly effective in reining in inflammation but can also quickly and sometimes dramatically raise LDL levels and lower HDL levels. Studies suggest that high-dose prednisone can cause this in a matter of weeks and increase yoursystolicblood pressure at the same time.
Prednisone is generally prescribed for severe inflammatory conditions when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. The risk of side effects increases with dose and duration of treatment.
How to Reduce Prednisone Side Effects
Amiodaroneis a drug used to treat a condition known ascardiac arrhythmia—an irregular heartbeat caused when electrical signals in heart muscles aren’t working properly. Cardiac arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or erratically.
Amiodarone is associated with a wide range of side effects. Among them, amiodarone can cause LDL levels to spike, although it generally doesn’t affect HDL levels.
Amiodarone is generally used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias or to prevent or treat heart rhythm disorders in people at risk of heart attack and other serious complications. Because of this, its effects on cholesterol are rarely significant enough to avoid the use of the drug.
Cyclosporine is used to preventorgan rejection, in which the immune system attacks donated tissues. It can also be used to treatautoimmune diseases, a group of conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
Cyclosporine has many side effects, one of which includes an increase in LDL levels. Even so, its benefits for preventing organ rejection or treating autoimmune diseases generally outweigh these concerns. If needed, cholesterol-lowering medications can be prescribed to counter this effect.
Anabolic steroids can cause a dramatic increase in LDL levels and decrease HDL levels. Long-term use can increase the risk ofatherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, andtype 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, oral forms of the drug tend to affect cholesterol levels more than injected forms.
Anabolic steroids are only intended for short-term use. They are not approved for use in bodybuilding and may cause both long-term and short-term effects (including pimples, shrunken testicles, mood changes, andenlarged breasts).
Protease inhibitors used for the treatment of HIV include:
Protease inhibitors have long been associated with changes in both cholesterol levels and body fat. The effects were greater with earlier protease inhibitors like Crixivan (indinavir), and Viracept (nelfinavir), all of which have been discontinued in the United States.
The drugs that are now available can still affect cholesterol levels in some people. Even so, the use of these life-saving drugs overrides these concerns. If needed, anti-cholesterol drugs can be used, along with diet and exercise, to bring cholesterol levels back under control.
Diuretics, also known as “water pills,” are used to treat high blood pressure and water retention. There are two types of diuretics that increase cholesterol levels:
Thiazide diuretics cause a temporary increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels; HDL levels are typically unchanged. Currently, Lozol (indapamide) is the only thiazide diuretic that does not appear to affect cholesterol levels.
Loop diuretics also increase LDL levels, but some of these drugs also cause a slight decrease in HDL levels.
Since diuretics are often essential to lowering blood pressure, healthcare providers will usually recommend changes in diet, routine exercise, and other lifestyle changes rather than stopping the medications.
Summary
There are many drugs that can affect your cholesterol levels. Some can raise your “bad” LDL cholesterol, decrease your “good” HDL cholesterol, or both. These include medications like beta-blockers, prednisone, amiodarone, cyclosporine, anabolic steroids, HIV protease inhibitors, and diuretics.
If these drugs are medically needed and used as prescribed, their benefits will generally outweigh the risks in terms of your cholesterol. If the effects are significant enough, cholesterol-lowering drugs can be prescribed or the dose adjusted if you are already on cholesterol-lowering treatment.
In some cases, a drug can be switched if the effects on your cholesterol are serious enough, including certain beta-blockers or diuretics. Your doctor may also advise you to exercise and change your diet to bring your cholesterol back under control.
A Word From VerywellFor the most part, prescription medications that can increase cholesterol are used only when necessary for treating serious underlying medical conditions, and any elevation in cholesterol is a relatively minor and manageable side effect. The exception to this rule is with the off-label use of anabolic steroids, where a dramatic change in cholesterol levels is a potentially dangerous complication.—RICHARD N. FOGOROS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
For the most part, prescription medications that can increase cholesterol are used only when necessary for treating serious underlying medical conditions, and any elevation in cholesterol is a relatively minor and manageable side effect. The exception to this rule is with the off-label use of anabolic steroids, where a dramatic change in cholesterol levels is a potentially dangerous complication.—RICHARD N. FOGOROS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
For the most part, prescription medications that can increase cholesterol are used only when necessary for treating serious underlying medical conditions, and any elevation in cholesterol is a relatively minor and manageable side effect. The exception to this rule is with the off-label use of anabolic steroids, where a dramatic change in cholesterol levels is a potentially dangerous complication.
—RICHARD N. FOGOROS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. If your healthcare provider has prescribed certain types of steroids for your arthritis, you may be at risk for higher LDL (“bad” cholesterol). Prednisone, specifically, has been shown to greatly increase these levels.Learn MoreHow Arthritis Is TreatedThe research is mixed as to whether cannabis causes high cholesterol or if it can actually lower cholesterol. There is a concern, however, that habits associated with recreational marijuana, such as eating more snacks, could raise your cholesterol and impact your overall heart health.Learn MoreMedical Uses of CannabisStudies have shown mixed results ofvitamin D supplementationon cholesterol levels. However, a 2019 analysis of 41 clinical trials concluded that taking 0.5 micrograms (20 IU) to 214 micrograms (8,570 IU) of vitamin D per day for six weeks to three years reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and did not lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Yes. If your healthcare provider has prescribed certain types of steroids for your arthritis, you may be at risk for higher LDL (“bad” cholesterol). Prednisone, specifically, has been shown to greatly increase these levels.Learn MoreHow Arthritis Is Treated
Yes. If your healthcare provider has prescribed certain types of steroids for your arthritis, you may be at risk for higher LDL (“bad” cholesterol). Prednisone, specifically, has been shown to greatly increase these levels.
Learn MoreHow Arthritis Is Treated
The research is mixed as to whether cannabis causes high cholesterol or if it can actually lower cholesterol. There is a concern, however, that habits associated with recreational marijuana, such as eating more snacks, could raise your cholesterol and impact your overall heart health.Learn MoreMedical Uses of Cannabis
The research is mixed as to whether cannabis causes high cholesterol or if it can actually lower cholesterol. There is a concern, however, that habits associated with recreational marijuana, such as eating more snacks, could raise your cholesterol and impact your overall heart health.
Learn MoreMedical Uses of Cannabis
Studies have shown mixed results ofvitamin D supplementationon cholesterol levels. However, a 2019 analysis of 41 clinical trials concluded that taking 0.5 micrograms (20 IU) to 214 micrograms (8,570 IU) of vitamin D per day for six weeks to three years reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and did not lower HDL cholesterol levels.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Herink M, Ito MK.Medication induced changes in lipid and lipoproteins. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.Liu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, et al.A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-30Quinkler M, Ekman B, Marelli C, et al.Prednisolone is associated with a worse lipid profile than hydrocortisone in patients with adrenal insufficiency.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(1):1–8. doi:10.1530/EC-16-0081Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al.2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.Circulation. 2018 Aug;138(13):e272-e391. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549Tapia C, Nessel TA, Zito PM.Cyclosporine. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Lu Z, Chu Y, Wang Y.HIV protease inhibitors: A review of molecular selectivity and toxicity.HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2015;7:95-104. doi:10.2147/HIV.S79956National Institutes of Health.FDA-approved HIV medications.Dibaba DT.Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev. 2019;77(12):890-902. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz037
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Herink M, Ito MK.Medication induced changes in lipid and lipoproteins. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.Liu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, et al.A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-30Quinkler M, Ekman B, Marelli C, et al.Prednisolone is associated with a worse lipid profile than hydrocortisone in patients with adrenal insufficiency.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(1):1–8. doi:10.1530/EC-16-0081Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al.2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.Circulation. 2018 Aug;138(13):e272-e391. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549Tapia C, Nessel TA, Zito PM.Cyclosporine. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Lu Z, Chu Y, Wang Y.HIV protease inhibitors: A review of molecular selectivity and toxicity.HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2015;7:95-104. doi:10.2147/HIV.S79956National Institutes of Health.FDA-approved HIV medications.Dibaba DT.Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev. 2019;77(12):890-902. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz037
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Herink M, Ito MK.Medication induced changes in lipid and lipoproteins. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.Liu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, et al.A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-30Quinkler M, Ekman B, Marelli C, et al.Prednisolone is associated with a worse lipid profile than hydrocortisone in patients with adrenal insufficiency.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(1):1–8. doi:10.1530/EC-16-0081Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al.2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.Circulation. 2018 Aug;138(13):e272-e391. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549Tapia C, Nessel TA, Zito PM.Cyclosporine. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Lu Z, Chu Y, Wang Y.HIV protease inhibitors: A review of molecular selectivity and toxicity.HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2015;7:95-104. doi:10.2147/HIV.S79956National Institutes of Health.FDA-approved HIV medications.Dibaba DT.Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev. 2019;77(12):890-902. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz037
Herink M, Ito MK.Medication induced changes in lipid and lipoproteins. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
Liu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, et al.A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-30
Quinkler M, Ekman B, Marelli C, et al.Prednisolone is associated with a worse lipid profile than hydrocortisone in patients with adrenal insufficiency.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(1):1–8. doi:10.1530/EC-16-0081
Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al.2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.Circulation. 2018 Aug;138(13):e272-e391. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
Tapia C, Nessel TA, Zito PM.Cyclosporine. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Lu Z, Chu Y, Wang Y.HIV protease inhibitors: A review of molecular selectivity and toxicity.HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2015;7:95-104. doi:10.2147/HIV.S79956
National Institutes of Health.FDA-approved HIV medications.
Dibaba DT.Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev. 2019;77(12):890-902. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz037
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