statin (stat-in) n. a drug that inhibits the action of an enzyme involved in the liver's production of cholesterol. Statins can lower the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by 25–45%; they are used mainly to treat hypercholesterolaemia but also to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in susceptible patients. See atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin.

statins A family of related compounds (lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) used to treat hypercholesterolaemia. They act by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase), the first and rate‐limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis.