| Recommended Dose and Dosage Regimen | The recommended starting dose of lovastatin for hypercholesterolemia in adults is usually 20 mg taken orally once daily with the evening meal. The dosage may be adjusted based on individual lipid levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and response to treatment, with a maximum daily dose of 80 mg. Dosage adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing. |
| Frequency of Administration | Lovastatin is typically administered once daily, preferably in the evening with the evening meal. |
| Route of Administration | Lovastatin is administered orally in the form of tablets. |
| Mechanism of Action (MOA) | Lovastatin is a statin medication that inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. By inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, lovastatin lowers plasma cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) | Lovastatin is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 2-4 hours. It undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver to active metabolites, primarily beta-hydroxyacid form. The elimination half-life of lovastatin is approximately 1-2 hours, while that of its active metabolites is longer (10-20 hours). |
| Pharmacodynamics (PD) | Lovastatin exerts its pharmacodynamic effects by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, thereby reducing intracellular cholesterol synthesis. This leads to upregulation of hepatic LDL receptors, increased clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream, and decreased plasma LDL-C levels. Lovastatin also has modest effects on triglycerides and may increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. |
| Pathophysiology | Lovastatin is used in the management of hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia to reduce elevated LDL-C levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease. It is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. |
| Primary Indications | Hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, prevention of cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease) in patients at high risk. |
| Contraindications | Contraindications to lovastatin use include hypersensitivity to lovastatin or its components, active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in serum transaminases, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Use caution in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, renal impairment, or predisposing factors for liver disease. |
| Purpose of Taking Medication | The purpose of lovastatin therapy is to reduce elevated LDL-C levels and improve lipid profiles in patients with hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular events and improving overall cardiovascular health. |
| Usage Instructions | Take lovastatin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. |
| Precautions and Care | Patients taking lovastatin should be monitored regularly for liver function tests and creatine kinase levels, especially during the initial months of treatment and after dose adjustments. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine promptly. |
| Dietary Considerations | While taking lovastatin, patients should adhere to a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and grapefruit juice, as they may increase the risk of adverse effects. |
| Missed Dose | If a dose of lovastatin is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. |
| Possible Side Effects | Common side effects of lovastatin may include headache, muscle pain or weakness (myalgia), gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, constipation), and elevated liver enzymes. Rare but serious side effects may include myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and hepatotoxicity. |
| Storage and Disposal | Store lovastatin tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original packaging and out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medication according to local regulations. |
| Overdose or Emergency | In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Management may include supportive care and monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters. |
| Monitoring and Laboratory Tests | Patients taking lovastatin may require regular monitoring of liver function tests (serum transaminases) and creatine kinase levels, especially during the initial months of therapy and after dose adjustments. Lipid profiles should be assessed periodically to evaluate treatment response. |
