hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor

(hy-DROK-see-MEH-thul-GLOO-tuh-ril koh-EN-zime-A ree-DUK-tayz in-HIH-bih-ter) A substance that blocks an enzyme needed by the body to make cholesterol and lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor drugs are called statins. Also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.