Lovastatin (Lovastatin)
Overview of Lovastatin
Lovastatin is antihyperlipidic agent. Lovastatin is structural analog of HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme). Lovastatin is inactive tricyclic lactone prodrug and hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to the active ß hydroxy derivative. It lowers high blood cholesterol levels and prevents coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of heart attack as high levels of cholesterol causes the blockadge of arteries of heart. Lovastatin is not available in combination preparations. Lovastatin is administered orally.
Indication of Lovastatin
Lovastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Dysbetalipoproteinemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, Secondary hyperlipidemias, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Heart disease.
Contraindication of Lovastatin
Lovastatin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Lovastatin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Lovastatin, which give rise to further complications include Hepatitis, Pancreatitis, Lenticular abnormalities.,Lovastatin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Renal failure. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Lovastatin therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Lovastatin include Rhabdomyolysis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Lovastatin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhea, Myalgia, Constipation, Insomnia, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision, Skin RashX, Rhabdomyolysis, Muscle tenderness, Elevation of CPK, Muscle pain, Dysgeusia, dizziness, Weakness.
Precautions of Lovastatin
Before initiating therapy with lovastatin first control hypercholesterolemia with appropriate diet, exercise and weight reduction in obese patients and treat underlying medical problems. The drug should not be given to the patient with hepatic disease, alcoholism and renal impairment. It should not be used in the children (1-12 yrs), pregnant and the nursing women.