Lovastatin (Mevinolin)(loe va sta’ tin)
AltoprevDNC, Apo-Lovastatin (CAN), Co-Lovastatin (CAN), Gen-Lovastatin (CAN), Mevacor, Nu-Lovastatin (CAN), PMS-Lovastatin (CAN), ratio-Lovastatin (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
Drug Classes
Antihyperlipidemic
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum LDLs (the lipids associated with the development of coronary artery disease), and either an increase or no change in serum HDLs (the lipids associated with decreased risk of CAD).
Indications
Treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia
Adjunctive treatment of type II hyperlipidemia (ER only)
To slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with CAD
Primary prevention of coronary heart disease in patients without symptomatic disease; average to moderately elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and low HDLs
Treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia with diet and exercise to decrease total and LDL cholesterol
As adjunct to diet to reduce total cholesterol, LDLs, apolipoprotein B levels in adolescent boys and girls who are at least 1 yr post-menarche who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to lovastatin, active liver disease, unexplained persistent serum transaminase, pregnancy.
Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, cataracts, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—10, 20, 40 mg; ER tabletsDNC—10, 20, 40, 60 mg
Dosages
Adults
Initially, 20 mg/day PO given in the evening with meals. Maintenance range, 10–80 mg/day PO single or divided doses. Do not exceed 80 mg/day. For ER tablets, 10–60 mg/day as single dose PO, taken in the evening. Adjust at intervals of 4 wk or more. Maximum daily dose, 40 mg/day if taking amiodarone or verapamil. Patients receiving cyclosporine should start at 10 mg daily and not exceed 20 mg daily. May be combined with bile acid sequestrants. If combined with fibrates or niacin, do not exceed 20 mg daily.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
