Lovastatin Pharmacology

Lovastatin

About Lovastatin
Statin class,HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, Hypolipidemic agent.
Mechanism of Action of Lovastatin
It is a precursor lactone hydrolyzed in to active beta-hydroxy acid which competitively inhibits the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) to mevalonate. The drug exerts it`s action by specific inhibition of enzyme; 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) and reduces cholesterol synthesis up to 50% at therapeutic doses. This results in compensatory increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression in liver which ultimately leads to increased receptor mediated uptake and catabolism of intermediate density lipoprotein(IDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). It causes dose dependent lowering of LDL cholesterol and reduces hepatic synthesis of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lowers plasma triglyceride levels. It also increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Pharmacokinets of Lovastatin
Absorption: About 30% is absorbed orally and food increases absorption. Undergoes extensive fist pass hepatic metabolism.
Distribution: Distributed mainly to liver and less than 5%of an oral dose reaches systemic circulation.
Metabolism: Metabolized in liver in to active metabolite.
Excretion: Excreted mainly through bile and a small portion is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Lovastatin
About 3days and maximum therapeutic response seen after 4 to 6 weeks
Duration of Action for Lovastatin
N/A
Half Life of Lovastatin
3 to 4 hours
Side Effects of Lovastatin
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Vertigo
4. Tremor
5. Peripheral neuropathy
6. Myalgia
7. Arthralgia
8. Myositis
9. Muscle cramps
10. Rhabdomyolysis
11. Memory loss
12. Taste impairment
13. Anxiety
14. Depression
15. Insomnia
16. Abdominal discomfort
17. Heart burn
18. Abdominal pain
19. Nausea
20. Blurred vision
21. Abnormal liver function tests
22. Rash
23. Pruritus
24. Alopecia
25. Photosensitivity
26. Cholestatic jaundice
27. Pancreatitis

Contra-indications of Lovastatin
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Active liver diseases
3. Persistent elevation of serum transaminase levels


Special Precautions while taking Lovastatin
1. Renal impairment
2. History of liver diseases
3. Alcoholics
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
Indications for Lovastatin
1. Hypercholesterolemia(types IIa, IIb)
2. Hypercholesterolemia along with hypertriglyceridemia)
3. Atherosclerosis
Interactions for Lovastatin
Cyclosporine, erythromycin, niacin, gemfibrozil: Severe myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Propranolol: Decrease in antihyperlipidaemic activity.
Itraconazole: Plasma levels of lovastatin increased 20-fold.
Warfarin: Anticoagulant effect increased, chances of bleeding.
Typical Dosage for Lovastatin
Starts with 10 to 20mg once daily; with evening meals. Increased if required.
Maximum dose: 80mg
In severely elevated cholesterol levels starts with 40mg.

Schedule of Lovastatin
H
Storage Requirements for Lovastatin
Store at room temperature at a range of 15 to 25 degree C.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Lovastatin
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Lovastatin
Provide supportive care and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Lovastatin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including lovastatin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for lovastatin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for lovastatin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take lovastatin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for lovastatin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for lovastatin with the pharmacy.

Lovastatin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for lovastatin might be better known than lovastatin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have lovastatin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for lovastatin.