Lovastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering
cholesterol (hypolipidemic agent) in those with hypercholesterolemia
and so preventing cardiovaskular disease.
Lovastatin was isolated from a strain of
Aspergillus terreus and it was the first statin approved by the FDA (August 1987). The mode action of statins is HMG-CoA reductase enzyme enzyme inhibition. This enzyme is needed by the body to make
cholesterol. Lovastatins causes cholesterol to be lost from LDL, but also reduce the concentration of circulating LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) particles. Lovastatin bility to lower LDL is thought to be due to a reduction in VLDL, which is precursor to LDL. Also, lovastatin may increase the number of LDL receptors on the surface of cell membranes, and thus increase the breakdown of LDL. Lovastatin can also produce slight to moderate increases in HDL, and slight to moderate decreases in triglyserides. Both of these effects are typically beneficial to a patient with a poor lipid profile. Lovastayin is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet; it is not a cure. If you take lovastatin once a day, take the dose with evening meal. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Elderly patients, or those with renal insuficiency may have higher plasma concentrations of lovastatin after administration and may require a lower dose. Before taking lovastatin, your health care professional should know if you have particular conditions like alcohol problem, hormon disorder, blood salt imbalance, infention, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, muscle disorder, pregnant or trying to get pregnant and alergic history. In addition to the adverse reactions common to most prescription medications such as headaches, nausea and fever, other side effects of lovastatin can be much more serious. The most troubling potential side effects include extreme muscle pain and serious liver problems. As with all the statin drugs, drinking grapefruit juice during therapy increases the risk of serious side effects.