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Drug Information
Pharmacokinetics
| Indication
& Dosage | Action
| Interactions
Adverse
Effect & Precautions |
Brands available in Market
After oral administration it is extensively metabolised in liver. the plasma concentration is 2/3 lower when given under fasting conditions.
Indication
& Dosage
Oral
REDUCTION OF ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY
HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA (TYPES IIA AND IIB), COMBINED HPERCHOLESTERALAEMIA:
Usually 20mg once daily with evening meal. Max 80mg/day in divided doses.
Reduces cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting a rate-limiting step catalysed by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzynme A Reductase (HMG CoA reductase). Action is mainly in the liver and results in increase of hepatic LDL RECEPTORS. There is increased removal of LDL from the circulation.
Interactions
Cyclosporine, erythromycin, niacin, gemfibrozil: Severe myopathy
or rhabdomyolysis
Propranolol: Decrease in antihyperlipidaemic activity.
Itraconazole: Plasma levels of lovastatin increased 20-fold.
Warfarin: ANticoagulant effect increased, chances of bleeding.
Adverse
Effect & Precautions
Arthralgia, myopathy, vertigo, tremor, memory loss, alterationof
taste, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, depression, insomnia.
Hepatitis cholestatic jaundice, pancreatitis, anorexia, heartburn,
abdominal pain, pruritis, alopecia, blurred vision, progression of
cataract.
Precaution: Alcoholics, renal impairment, use in children less
than 2 years is not recommended, Previous history of liver
disease.
Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
Breast Feeding: Contraindicated.
Man: Use with caution.
