
(pih ta’ vah sta’ tin)
Livalo
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
Drug Classes
Antihyperlipidemic
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum LDLs (associated with increased risk of CAD), and increased serum HDLs (associated with decreased CAD risk); increases hepatic LDL recapture sites and enhances reuptake and catabolism of LDL; lowers triglyceride levels.
Indications
As adjunctive therapy to exercise and diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDLs, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides and increase HDL in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to components of drug, active liver disease, concurrent use of cyclosporine, unexplained persistent serum transaminase elevations, pregnancy, lactation.
Use cautiously with advanced age, renal impairment, hypothyroidism, concurrent use of fibrates, alcohol use, diabetes myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, hepatic impairment.
Available Forms
Tablets—1, 2, 4 mg
Dosages
Adults
Starting dosage, 2 mg/day PO; may increase to a maximum of 4 mg/day.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
Patients with moderate to end-stage renal impairment on hemodialysis
1 mg/day PO; maximum dosage is 2 mg/day.

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