Lovastatin

Lovastatin is antihyperlipidic agent. Lovastatin is structural analog of HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme). Lovastatin is inactive tricyclic lactone prodrug and hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to the active β hydroxy derivative. It lowers high blood cholesterol levels and prevents coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of heart attack as high levels of cholesterol causes the blockadge of arteries of heart. Lovastatin is not available in combination preparations. Lovastatin is administered orally.

Brands
LOVACOR CUTCHOL REVESTIN LIMICHOL
Adult Dose
Dose: 20 to 80 mg
Single Dose: 50 (50)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: In div.doses.
Neonatal
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Paedriatic
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Characteristics
Lovastatin also known as Mevinolin. . It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Tricyclic Lactone. It belongs to HMGCoA reductase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antilipemic Agent pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Lovastatin is 404.50.
Contraindications
Lovastatin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Lovastatin, which give rise to further complications include Hepatitis, Pancreatitis, Lenticular abnormalities.Lovastatin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Renal failure. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Lovastatin therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Lovastatin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhea, Myalgia, Constipation, Insomnia, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision, Skin RashX, Rhabdomyolysis, Muscle tenderness, Elevation of CPK, Muscle pain, Dysgeusia, dizziness, Weakness.
Indications
Lovastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Dysbetalipoproteinemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, Secondary hyperlipidemias, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Heart disease.
Interactions
Lovastatin is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementClarithromycinClarithromycin enhances the plasma concentration of lovastatin by inhibiting CYP450 3A4 results in severe myopathy.MajorTherapy should be stopped if level of creatinine kinase is increased or myopathy is diagnosed. Azithromycin and dirithromycin considered as safer alternatives of clarithromycin.Cyclosporin AItraconazoleKetoconazoleMibefradil (Di HCl)PectinPioglitazoneRepaglinideLovastatin may increase repaglinide concentrations by decreasing metabolism. SilymarinSilymarin may interfere with Lovastatin because both drugs are broken down by the same liver enzymes.VORICONAZOLEVoriconazole may increase the serum concentration of lovastatin by decreasing its metabolism. Monitor for changes in the therapeutic and adverse effects Warfarin (Na)Lovastatin increases the hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin.MajorDelayedClosely monitor the patient for altered anticoagulant effect. Patient should report the signs of bleeding to physician. These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Risks
Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight.
Warnings
Before initiating therapy with lovastatin first control hypercholesterolemia with appropriate diet, exercise and weight reduction in obese patients and treat underlying medical problems. The drug should not be given to the patient with hepatic disease, alcoholism and renal impairment. It should not be used in the children (1-12 yrs), pregnant and the nursing women.
Back to List

Any information that appears on this website page is provided for the purpose of general information. This website has been compiled in good faith by HMIS.Online. However, no guarantee is made as to the completeness, validity or accuracy of the information it contains.