Lovastatin (statin, antidyslipidemic)

Lovastatin is a generic statin drug. Statins lower blood cholesterol levels by interfering with HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for synthesizing cholesterol.

Uses

What is Lovastatin used for?

Lovastatin lowers cholesterol levels when diet and exercise are not enough. Your doctor may prescribe it if you have:

• Hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Preventing coronary artery disease

How should I take Lovastatin?

Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.

For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid. It is best to take it with a glass of water and meals.

How do I store Lovastatin?

Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using Lovastatin?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, this drug is contraindicated (not allowed) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is evidence that this drug can cause congenital abnormalities. Therefore, women are recommended to use effective contraception while taking this drug to prevent pregnancy. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.

This medication is pregnancy risk category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A= No risk
• B= No risk in some studies
• C= There may be some risk
• D= Positive evidence of risk
• X= Contraindicated
• N= Unknown

Side Effects

What side effects can occur from Lovastatin?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
• Muscle or joint pain
• Cramping
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Skin rash
• Abnormal liver enzyme levels

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following potentially fatal reactions:

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Lovastatin?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. 

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. 

Drugs with known interactions:

• Amiodarone
• Colchicine
• Ranolazine
• Danazol
• Diltiazem
• Verapamil
• Warfarin
• CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Gemfibrozil
• Ciclosporin
• St. John’s wort

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with Lovastatin?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not consume alcohol while taking this drug. Limit your consumption of grapefruit products while lovastatin. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Lovastatin?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

• Active liver disease
• At-risk for myopathy
• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Severe renal impairment

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Start taking 10 to 20 mg per day, preferably at night. The dose may be increased every 4 weeks, not exceeding 80 mg per day.

For kidney impairment with creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min, closely monitor if dose exceeds 20 mg per day.

What is the dose for a child?

Children ages 10 to 17 years old, give 10 to 20 mg once a day. The dose may be increased every 4 weeks, not exceeding 40 mg per day.

How is Lovastatin available?

Lovastatin is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.