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Pharmacology · single question

What is the mechanism of action of statins (e.g., rosuvastatin/Crestor)?

  1. Block angiotensin II receptors
  2. Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis
  3. Block calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle
  4. Block sodium reabsorption in the kidney
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Correct answer: B. Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis

  • A. Angiotensin II receptor blockade is the mechanism of ARBs (e.g., losartan) — not statins.
  • B. Correct. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase), the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduces LDL cholesterol production.
  • C. Calcium channel blockade is the mechanism of CCBs (e.g., amlodipine) — not statins.
  • D. Sodium reabsorption blockade is the mechanism of diuretics — not statins.

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