Which medication is primarily used to manage cholesterol levels?

The medication primarily used to manage cholesterol levels is atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is part of the statin class of drugs, which work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing cholesterol production, atorvastatin effectively lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Statins are generally the first-line treatment for hyperlipidemia and have significant evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Although ezetimibe, simvastatin, and fenofibrate also contribute to cholesterol management, atorvastatin is commonly used as a primary treatment option due to its efficacy and extensive research backing its use. Ezetimibe works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, simvastatin is another statin that provides similar benefits as atorvastatin, and fenofibrate primarily affects triglycerides rather than significantly impacting LDL cholesterol levels.