Metabolic Syndrome Health Center

How Do You Treat Metabolic Syndrome?

Medicine for Metabolic Syndrome

Some people with metabolic syndrome will also need medicine. Drugs might be needed if lifestyle changes aren't enough to reduce your risk factors. Some drugs you might use are:

• High blood pressure medicines, which include medicines such as ACE inhibitors (like Capoten and Vasotec), angiotensin II receptor blockers (like Cozaar and Diovan), diuretics, beta-blockers, and other drugs.
  
• Cholesterol medicines, which include statins (like Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor), niacin (like Niacor, Niaspan, and Nicolar), bile acid resins (like Colestid and Questran), Zetia, and other drugs.
  
• Diabetes medicines, which may be necessary if you have glucose intolerance. Drugs include Glucophage, Actos, and Avandia.
  
• Low-dose aspirin, which can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. It may be especially important for people who are "prothrombotic," or prone to blood clots.

Keep in mind that all medicines can have side effects and risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of using any of these medicines.