Which Medicine Helps In Dissolving Cholesterol In The Blood?

Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : HI :)
I was told today that a type of 'lithium' apparently is very good for dissolving cholesterol in your blood.
Is this correct - or did I get the name wrong ? Apparently one can buy lithium? from health shops.
When I look online it says its for bi polar disorders - so maybe I got the name wrong - can you clarify this for me? thank you - XXXXXXX Rabarts

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lithium does not dissolve cholesterol and is a dangerous medicine

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Lithium is prescribed for psychiatric disorders and is a dangerous medicine. Slight overdose causes lithium toxicity and can cause death.

2. Treatment of psychiatric disorders with lithium causes increase in cholesterol levels and this is a concern in patients being treated with lithium.

3. It is possible that the information provided by you was not accurate and lithium does not work that way. Lithium is sold on the prescription of a psychiatrist only due to the toxic nature of medication. Medications for lowering cholesterol are given by a cardiologist and are from statin group of drugs.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar