Is Lovastatin and atorvastatin the same drug?
Statins: Those drugs are all members of the statin family of drugs. Mevacor (lovastatin) and Lovastatin are the exact same drug and Lipitor and Atorvastatin ar... Read More What is the color of atorvastatin?
How much can pravastatin lower cholesterol?
Statins quickly reduce LDL, the "bad," cholesterol by 50% or more. Statins boost HDL, the "good" cholesterol, by up to 15%. You should see major changes in your cholesterol levels within two to ...
What is the difference between lovastatin and atorvastatin?
is that lovastatin is (medicine) a statin that inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol while atorvastatin is (medicine) a statin used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. (medicine) A statin used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Will taking Crestor help lower the cholesterol?
The prescription cholesterol-lowering medicine CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) works to help lower cholesterol in 2 ways: Along with diet, CRESTOR lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and slows plaque buildup in arteries as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal.
How does lovastatin reduce cholesterol levels?
By competitively inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, the drug disrupts the biosynthesis of cholesterol in hepatic and peripheral cells. This increases the synthesis of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and thereby increases the uptake of LDL cholesterol from the plasma.
What is the mechanism of action of lovastatin?
Mechanism of Action Lovastatin is metabolized into its active form beta-hydroxy acid in the stomach and functions to competitively inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme is involved in the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis.
How long does it take for statins to lower cholesterol?
After starting a statin, it takes about six weeks for cholesterol levels to stabilise, so most doctors would re-check your cholesterol after about eight weeks. You should have a check-up at least once a year or more often if your doctor thinks it is necessary.
What is the most serious side effect of lovastatin?
Serious muscle damage warning: Using lovastatin raises your risk of serious muscle problems. These problems include myopathy, with symptoms that include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can lead to rhabdomyolysis. With this condition, muscle breaks down and can cause kidney damage and even death.
What food should be avoided when taking lovastatin?
lovastatin food You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with lovastatin. Drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts may also increase the blood levels of lovastatin in some patients. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Is lovastatin hard on the kidneys?
Statin users had greater odds of acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 1.48), CKD (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.52), and nephritis/nephrosis/renal sclerosis (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.73).
Do statins clear plaque from arteries?
Statins help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood. They draw cholesterol out of plaque and stabilize plaque, Blaha says.
Can you get off statins Once you start?
If you're taking a statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you will need to keep taking your prescription, or your cholesterol will likely go back up. Stopping your statin can put you at risk of having heart disease and other preventable health problems like stroke and heart attack from high cholesterol.
Why do statins have to be taken at night?
Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.
Does lovastatin make you gain weight?
Statin use is associated with increased calorie intake and consequent weight gain.
Does lovastatin affect sleep?
The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). How they can cause insomnia: The most common side effect of all types of statins is muscle pain, which can keep people who take them awake at night and unable to rest.
Is 40 mg of lovastatin a lot?
Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
What is the mechanism of action of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor?
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors work preferentially at the level of the luminal brush border of enterocytes in the upper intestine, reducing cholesterol content of CMs while maintaining the absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins or steroid hormones.
What is the mechanism of action of cholesterol lowering agents?
Statins lower LDL levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity leading to decreases in hepatic cholesterol content resulting in an up-regulation of hepatic LDL receptors, which increases the clearance of LDL. The major side effects are muscle complications and an increased risk of diabetes.
What type of inhibitor is lovastatin?
competitive inhibitorAbstract. Lovastatin is a potent competitive inhibitor of the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (NADPH) [HMG-CoA reductase; (S)-mevalonate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (CoA-acylating), EC 1.1. 1.34].
What is the drug lovastatin used for?
Lovastatin is used together with a proper diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This medicine may also help prevent medical problems (eg, chest pain, heart attack, stroke) caused by fat clogging the blood vessels.
How much LDL-C is reduced?
Total cholesterol and LDL-C are reduced by 30% or more on average when added to baseline therapy, with the effects being more pronounced in nonfamilial than in familial hypercholesterolemia. Optimal dosing appears to be 20 mg given twice a day.
What enzyme is used to reduce cholesterol?
Abstract. Lovastatin is a potent new drug for lowering serum cholesterol through inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis.
How long does it take for lovastatin to work?
Lovastatin is converted to its active form after oral administration. Peak levels are seen within two hours following administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before improvements in your cholesterol level are seen, and up to four weeks before the maximal cholesterol-lowering effects of lovastatin are apparent.
How does lovastatin work?
Lovastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver known as HMG-CoA reductase that is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an important substance necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol and coenzyme Q10. Lovastatin also boosts the breakdown of lipids.
What is the name of the drug that is a reductase inhibitor?
Lovastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It may also be called a statin.
What medications interact with Lovastatin?
Common medications that may interact with lovastatin include: amiodarone. antibiotics, such as erythromycin. anticonvulsants, such as fosphenytoin or phenytoin. antidepressants, such as nefazodone. antifungals, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole. aprepitant. azithromycin. bezafibrate.
Can you take lovastatin with grapefruit juice?
Take lovastatin with the evening meal. Do not take with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products. Seek urgent medical advice if you develop any acute severe muscle pain. Adhere to the TLC diet, designed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), or a similar diet, while taking lovastatin.
What are the side effects of taking Lovastatin?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Gastrointestinal side effects (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea), muscle pain, headache, and dizziness. Lovastatin, like other statins, may ...
Does lovastatin help with heart disease?
Lovastatin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, unstable angina, and revascularization procedures in people with moderately elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL-cholesterol. Lovastatin may also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in people with preexisting coronary heart disease.
How does lovastatin work?
Lovastatin works by slowing the production of cholesterol in your body.
What is cyclosporine used for?
Cyclosporine is used to suppress the immune system. It may be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. It may also be used after a solid organ transplant. Taking this drug with lovastatin raises your risk of serious muscle problems. This drug should not be used with lovastatin.
What is a periodic fasting cholesterol test?
Periodic fasting cholesterol check: This test checks your cholesterol levels. It will be done from time to time during your treatment with this drug.
Can you take lovastatin with cholesterol medication?
Taking lovastatin with certain drugs used to lower cholesterol levels raises your risk of severe muscle problems. Some of these drugs should be avoided if you are taking lovastatin. Others may be used with careful monitoring. Talk to your doctor to find out if taking these drugs is safe for you. Examples of these drugs include:
Can you take warfarin and lovastatin together?
Warfarin is a type of blood thinner called an anticoagulant. When warfarin and lovastatin are taken together, this can increase the effects of warfarin. This raises your risk of bleeding. Your doctor should closely monitor your INR (a blood test) if you take warfarin with lovastatin.
Can you take lovastatin with HIV?
Taking certain HIV drugs with lovastatin can cause high levels of lovastatin to build up in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from lovastatin, including serious muscle pain, weakness, and breakdown. These drugs should not be used with lovastatin.
Can you take a fungus medicine with lovastatin?
Taking certain antifungal drugs with lovastatin can cause high levels of lovastatin to build up in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from lovastatin, including serious muscle pain, weakness, and breakdown. These drugs should not be used with lovastatin.
Is cholesterol a good treatment for porokeratosis?
Topical cholesterol/lovastatin is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for porokeratosis that underscores the utility of a pathogenesis-based therapy that replaces deficient end products and prevents accumulation of potentially toxic precursors. Topical cholesterol/lovastatin is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for porokeratosis ...
Is lovastatin good for porokeratosis?
Topical cholesterol/lovastatin is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for porokeratosis that underscores the utility of a pathogenesis-based therapy that replaces deficient end products and prevents accumulation of potentially toxic precursors.
How do statins help with cholesterol?
Statins work in two ways to reduce your cholesterol numbers: Statins stop the production of cholesterol. First, statins block the enzyme that creates cholesterol. Reduced production. lowers the total amount of cholesterol available in your bloodstream. Statins help reabsorb existing cholesterol. Your body.
How to improve your LDL?
Live a healthy lifestyle. Medications can certainly help, but the ultimate way to improve your health is to eat better, move more, and take care of your body. It’s true that people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol may still battle LDL levels that are dangerous.
How to get your LDL back to normal?
Talk to your doctor. If your LDL levels are higher than they should be, talk to your doctor about the best way to return your numbers to a safe and healthy range. Your doctor may first suggest a change in diet and exercise. Sometimes these lifestyle changes are enough to reverse your cholesterol numbers.
What is statins used for?
— Written by Kimberly Holland — Updated on January 9, 2019. Statins are prescription medications that can help lower your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It’s found in every cell of the body.
Why do we need statins?
Statins help reabsorb existing cholesterol. Your body. needs cholesterol to perform certain tasks. These tasks include helping. you digest food, make hormones, and absorb vitamin D. If statins lower. your cholesterol level, your body can’t get the cholesterol it needs from. your circulating blood.
How to reduce risk of heart attack?
To reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, your doctor may recommend you take a statin medication. These medications are designed specifically for people with high cholesterol or people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Statins work in two ways to reduce your cholesterol numbers: Statins stop the production of cholesterol.
What percentage of Americans use cholesterol lowering medication?
Almost 28 percent of Americans ages 40 to 59 use a cholesterol-lowering medication. Slightly more than 23 percent of adults report using statin medications alone. Overall treatment for high cholesterol has increased in the past 15 years. As treatment numbers have increased, disease numbers have fallen.
How long does it take for lovastatin to clear DSAP?
Treatment with topical lovastatin/cholesterol (but not cholesterol alone) resulted in near complete clearance of DSAP lesions after 4 weeks of therapy, and moderate improvement of lesions in PPPD and LP. There were no adverse events.
What is the role of cholesterol in porokeratosis?
Cholesterol, one of the end-products of the mevalonate pathway, is a key component of the extracellular lipid matrix in the stratum corneum, playing an essential role in providing and maintaining skin barrier function. Depletion of cholesterol has been reported to result in increased sensitivity of keratinocytes to stimuli driving apoptosis.14Premature apoptosis and dysregulated differentiation of keratinocytes have been identified in several types of porokeratosis,2,15supporting a simple pathogenesis model in which loss-of-function mutations in MVK, PMVK, MVD, and FDPSresult in cholesterol deficiency in porokeratosis affected skin, directly leading to disease phenotype. However, as has been demonstrated in other inherited metabolic disorders,16–18the porokeratosis phenotype may reflect both the deficiency of metabolic pathway end products and the accumulation of toxic metabolites synthesized proximally in the pathway.
What is the mevalonate pathway?
The mevalonate pathway is an essential metabolic pathway that uses acetyl-CoA to produce sterols and isoprenoid metabolites that are essential for a broad range of metabolic processes. Genes previously found to be involved in porokeratosis are in bold. Asterisk marks genes in which mutations were found in the present study. Dashed arrows indicate multiple processes.
Is lovastatin safe for porokeratosis?
Topical cholesterol/lovastatin is a safe and effective therapy for porokeratosis that underscores the utility of a pathogenesis-based therapies which replace deficient end-products and prevent accumulation of potentially toxic precursors.
How It Works
- Lovastatin may be used to treat high cholesterol and to protect against future cardiovascular events.
- Lovastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver known as HMG-CoA reductase that is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an important substance necessary for the synthesis of...
- Lovastatin may be used to treat high cholesterol and to protect against future cardiovascular events.
- Lovastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver known as HMG-CoA reductase that is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an important substance necessary for the synthesis of...
- Lovastatin also boosts the breakdown of lipids.
- Lovastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It may also be called a statin.
Upsides
- Lovastatin, in conjunction with dietary measures, is used to lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease if initial dietary measures fail to lo...
- Lovastatin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, unstable angina, and revascularization procedures in people with moderately elevated total cholesterol and LDL-ch…
- Lovastatin, in conjunction with dietary measures, is used to lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease if initial dietary measures fail to lo...
- Lovastatin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, unstable angina, and revascularization procedures in people with moderately elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL-c...
- Lovastatin may also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in people with preexisting coronary heart disease.
- Lovastatin is also indicated in some genetic lipid disorders (such as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) in adolescents aged 10 to 17 meeting certain criteria.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Gastrointestinal side effects (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea), muscle pain, headache, and dizziness. 2. Lovastatin, like other statins, may affect liver function, manifesting as changes in li…
Bottom Line
- Lovastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Lovastatin interacts with grapefruit and grapefruit juice products.
Tips
- Take lovastatin with the evening meal. Do not take it with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products.
- Seek urgent medical advice if you develop any acute severe muscle pain.
- Adhere to the TLC diet, designed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), or a similar diet, while taking lovastatin.
- Take lovastatin with the evening meal. Do not take it with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products.
- Seek urgent medical advice if you develop any acute severe muscle pain.
- Adhere to the TLC diet, designed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), or a similar diet, while taking lovastatin.
- Plan to exercise regularly and stop smoking if you smoke. Try to avoid second-hand smoke.
Response and Effectiveness
- Lovastatin is converted to its active form after oral administration. Peak levels are seen within two hours following administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before...
- Lowers LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B.
- Secondary reasons for abnormally high cholesterol levels (such as uncontrolled diabetes mel…
- Lovastatin is converted to its active form after oral administration. Peak levels are seen within two hours following administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before...
- Lowers LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B.
- Secondary reasons for abnormally high cholesterol levels (such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, low thyroid levels, alcoholism, and liver disease) should be ruled out before starting lovastatin.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with lovastatin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with lovastatin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use lovastatin only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: October 19, 2022. Medical Discl…
Highlights for lovastatin
- 1.Lovastatin oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Altop…
2.Lovastatin oral tablet comes in two forms: immediate-release tablet and extended-release tablet.
Important warnings
- •Serious muscle damage warning: Using lovastatin raises your risk of serious muscle problems. …
•Liver disease warning: Use of lovastatin raises your risk of liver disease. Your doctor should check how well your liver is working before and during treatment with this drug. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of liver problems from lovastatin. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor b…
What is lovastatin?
- Lovastatin is a prescription drug. It comes as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-relea…
The extended-release tablets are available as the brand-name drug Altoprev. The immediate-release tablets are available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-n…
Lovastatin side effects
- More common side effects
The more common side effects that can occur with use of lovastatin include: •pain in your stomach area •nausea •heartburn •constipation •headache •weakness/lack of energy •muscle pain •memory loss/forgetfulness •confusion •inability to fall asleep If these effects are mild, they … - Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: •Muscle problems. Symptoms can include unexplained: •m…
Lovastatin may interact with other medications
- Lovastatin oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. …
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Lovastatin warnings
- Allergy warning
Lovastatin can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include: •trouble breathing or swallowing •swelling of your face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs •rash •hives •itching If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency r… - Food interaction warning
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can increase the level of lovastatin in your body. This raises your risk of serious muscle pain or damage. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking this drug.
How to take lovastatin
- Drug forms and strengths
Generic: Lovastatin •Form: oral immediate-release tablet •Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg Brand: Altoprev •Form: oral extended-release tablet •Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg - Dosage for prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years) •Immediate-release tablet •Typical starting dosage: 20 mg once per day with the evening meal. •Dosage range: 10–80 mg per day. Larger doses may be divided and given twice per day. •Maximum dosage: 80 mg per day. •Extended-release tablet •Typical start…
Take as directed
- Lovastatin oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as p…
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your cholesterol may not be controlled. Over time, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. - If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or …
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:
Important considerations for taking lovastatin
- General
•Each form of the tablet has different food guidelines. Lovastatin immediate-release tablets should be taken with your evening meal. Lovastatin extended-release tablets should be taken without food if possible. •Take each form of the tablet at the right time. Lovastatin immediate-rel… - Storage
Store this drug carefully. •Store the extended-release tablets at a temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Store the immediate-release tablets at a temperature between 41°F and 77°F (5°C and 25°C). •Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Are there any alternatives?
- There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than o…
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