LOVASTATIN
It is absorbed from GIT. It undergoes extensive first pass metabolism in liver which is the primary site of action. It is highly bound to plasma protein. Absorption is reduced by approximately 30% when administered on an empty stomach ther than with food. Lovastatin is eliminted primarily through fecal route which is the 83% of orally administered dose, 10% of drug is eliminated by renal route. Lovastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver.As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated total & LDL cholesterol in patients of primary hypercholesterolemia, for reduction of elevated LDL cholesterol levels in patients with combined hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
-Initial Dose: Typically, 20 mg once daily with the evening meal. -Maintenance Dose: Ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg per day, depending on patient response and cholesterol levels. -Maximum Dose: 80 mg per day, administered in divided doses.
Hypersensitivity, Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, pregnancy & nursing.
-Regular monitoring of liver enzymes before and during treatment -Use with caution in patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol consumption -Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by malaise or fever
Flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, dyspepsia, heart burn, dysgeusia, myopathy, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, rashes, impotene, insomnia.
-Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis with concurrent use of fibrates, niacin, or certain antifungal and antibiotic medications -Potential interaction with other lipid-lowering therapies and certain antiretroviral drugs -Grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of lovastatin in the bloodstream -Anticoagulants, coumarin-or indandione derivative, HMG-COA reductase inhibitors, cyclosporine erythromycin, Gemfibrozil, immunosuppresants or niacin.
