section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

LOE-va-sta-tin

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Pharmacologic Classification: hmg coa reductase inhibitors (statin)

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme which is responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Lowering of total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Slightly increases HDL cholesterol.
  • Slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis with resultant decrease in coronary heart disease-related events.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Poorly and variably absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver, most during first pass; excreted in bile and feces. 10% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 3 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(cholesterol-lowering effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO, PO-ER2 wk4–6 wk6 wk‡



‡After discontinuation.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: rash, pruritus

EENT: blurred vision

Endo: hyperglycemia

GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, nausea, ↑liver enzymes, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, dyspepsia, pancreatitis

GU: erectile dysfunction

MS: arthralgia, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, myopathy, myositis, RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Neuro: headache, amnesia, confusion, dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, weakness

Misc: hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Renal Impairment

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Altoprev, Mevacor

Pill Image

lovastatin_195-8765.jpg

Code ⬆

NDC Code