Lovastatin (Oral Route)

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Lovastatin (Oral Route)

Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

US Brand Names

  • Altoprev
  • Mevacor

Description

Lovastatin is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. Using this medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels. This medicine may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems .

Lovastatin belongs to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood .

Lovastatin is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before prescribing medicine for your condition, your doctor will probably try to control your condition by prescribing a personal diet for you. Such a diet may be low in fats, sugars, and/or cholesterol. Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's orders for proper diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed and is effective only when a schedule of diet and exercise is properly followed .

Lovastatin should not be taken with large amounts of grapefruit juice or other grapefruit products because these may increase the concentrations of lovastatin in the body .

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet
  • Tablet, Extended Release
Before Using

DR601997

Portions of this document last updated:

Nov. 1, 2009

Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

Copyright © 2009 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.


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