Lovastatin
Hypolipidaemic/Anti-atheroma · HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Indications
Reduction of elevated total LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, in patients with combined hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, when the hypercholesterolaemia is the abnormality of most concern.
Dosage
Adults: Initially 20 mg/day as a single dose with the evening meal. Adjustment of dosage, if required, should be made at intervals of not less than 4 wk, to a max 80 mg daily in single or divided doses with the morning and evening meals. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
GI disturbances, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, muscle cramps, myalgia, skin rashes, abdominal pain, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, anxiety.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases. Precautions: Past history of liver disease.
Interactions
Immunosuppressive drugs, gemfibrozil, niacin, erythromycin.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals in evening. Contact prescriber if there is muscle pain, cramps, memory loss, depression, personality changes, vision changes, abdominal upset, numbness, weakness, tingling or pain in ankles/hands/feet. Avoid alcohol completely and excessive intake of grapefruit juice during therapy. Take low-fat diet during therapy. Have periodic blood tests as advised by prescriber to check drug's effectiveness. Eye examinations are also important.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: LDL-cholesterol reductions: 3 days. Absorption: 30%. <5% reaches the systemic circulation. Metabolism: Hepatic. Extensive first-pass effect. Bioavailability: Increased with extended release tab. Half-life elimination: 1.1-1.7 hrs. Time to peak, serum: Immediate release: 2-4 hrs. Extended release: 12-14 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (approx. 80%-85%). Urine (10%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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