LOVASTATIN

Generic Name: lovastatin (mevinolin)

Brand Name: Altoprev, Apo-Lovastatin (CAN), Co-Lovastatin (CAN), Gen-Lovastatin (CAN),
Mevacor, Nu-Lovastatin (CAN), ratio-Lovastatin (CAN), PMS-Lovastatin (CAN)
Classification: Antihyperlipidemic, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Dosage & Route

Available forms : Tablets—10, 20, 40 mg; ER tablets—10, 20, 40, 60 mg

Therapeutic actions
 Lovastatin reduces cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the rate-limiting step catalysed by
HMG-CoA reductase.

Indications
 Treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia
 Adjunctive treatment of type II hyperlipidemia (ER only)
 To slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with CAD
 Primary prevention of coronary heart disease in patients without symptomatic disease;
average to moderately elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and low HDLs
 As adjunct to diet to reduce total cholesterol, LDLs, apolipoprotein B levels in adolescent
boys and girls who are at least 1 yr post-menarche who have heterozygous familial
hypercholesterolemia
Adverse effects
 Increased creatine phosphokinase; flatulence, nausea, dyspepsia, constipation or
diarrhoea, abdominal pain; muscle cramps, myalgia, weakness; blurred vision; headache,
dizziness; rash.
 Potentially Fatal: Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.

Contraindications
 Active liver disease; unexplained persistently elevated serum transaminases. Pregnancy
and lactation.

Nursing considerations
Assessment
 History: Allergy to lovastatin, impaired hepatic function, cataracts, pregnancy, lactation
 Physical: Orientation, affect, ophthalmologic examination; liver evaluation; lipid studies,
LFTs
Interventions
 Give in the evening; highest rates of cholesterol synthesis are between midnight and 5 AM
 Arrange for regular checkups.
 Advise patient that this drug cannot be taken during pregnancy; urge the use of barrier
contraceptives
 Arrange for periodic ophthalmologic examinations to check for cataract development, and
liver function studies q 4–6 wk during first 15 mo and then periodically.
 Administer only when diet restricted in cholesterol and saturated fats fails to lower
cholesterol and lipids adequately.