MedDataToolLovastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and related problems. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). You typically take it as a tablet, starting with a dose of 20 mg once a day with your evening meal, and the maximum dose is 80 mg per day. It's important to know that lovastatin can cause muscle problems, so you should report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness to your doctor. Additionally, you should avoid taking lovastatin with strong medications that affect liver enzymes, like certain antifungal drugs, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
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Uses
- Lowering total cholesterol (total-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C).
- Reducing risk of myocardial infarction.
- Preventing unstable angina.
- Slowing progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
- Treating primary hypercholesterolemia in adolescents.
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Dosage
Start with 20 mg once daily with the evening meal.
Adjust dose between 10 to 80 mg daily as needed.
Adolescents aged 10 to 17: 10 to 40 mg daily.
Monitor cholesterol levels periodically.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
abdominal painconstipationdiarrheanauseaheadachemuscle pain
Serious
liver dysfunctionmyopathyrhabdomyolysis
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, especially at higher doses.
- Avoid use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like itraconazole.
- Do not use with gemfibrozil or cyclosporine.
- Use caution in patients with liver disease or heavy alcohol use.
- Monitor liver enzymes before and during treatment.
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Drug interactions
- Gemfibrozilavoid due to increased myopathy riskAvoid
- Cyclosporineavoid due to increased myopathy riskAvoid
- Danazollimit lovastatin to 20 mg dailyCaution
- Diltiazemlimit lovastatin to 20 mg dailyCaution
- Amiodaronelimit lovastatin to 40 mg dailyCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).