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 biopsychology 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.

He has held faculty appointments at Brown University Medical School, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy and University of Virginia School of Nursing. He is currently an adjunct associate professor at Brown University where he has been the recipient of the Dean's Teaching Excellence Award for each of the past five years. Additionally, he has taught undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate pharmacology courses at a number of nursing schools around the country including Penn State, Idaho State, Radford University, University of West Virginia and University of Arizona. 

Over the past ten years, Dr. Agins has lectured nationally to over 45,000 advanced practice clinicians (nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists  and other allied healthcare professionals).

He has authored, co-authored and served as primary reviewer for various journals, CE monographs, textbooks, newsletters and has presented and moderated a number of continuing education webcasts. He has written and performed in a series of short video clips used for on-line support of a number of Elsevier's nursing pharmacology textbooks and is currently in the final stages of producing an educational DVD for them as well.

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.

Commercial Support:

This program is supported by Rx Pro Health, Inc.

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: 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET 
         7:00 to 8:30 pm CT 
         6:00 to 7:30 pm MT
         5:00 to 6:30 pm 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.