Lovastatin
Information about Lovastatin
Lovastatin uses
Lovastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides.
How lovastatin works
Lovastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of lovastatin
Headache, Stomach pain, Constipation, Feeling sick, Muscle pain, Weakness, Dizziness, Increased glucose level in blood
Available Medicine for Lovastatin
Expert advice for Lovastatin
- Lovastatin lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL). It helps prevent heart attack and stroke.
- Lovastatin prevents one death in every 50 patients with heart disease treated over 4 to 5 years.
- It is better to take in the evening.
- In general, Lovastatin is safe. It may cause digestive problems like diarrhoea, gas. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
- Notify your doctor if you are more tired than usual, do not feel hungry, or if you have yellow eyes, skin or dark urine.
- Notify your doctor if you experience muscle symptoms (pain or weakness), particularly if you have fever, a sick feeling or dark urine.
- Regular exercise and low-fat diet further help to lower levels of fat in the blood.
Frequently asked questions for Lovastatin
Lovastatin
Q. What should I know about high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Your total cholesterol is made up of LDL and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol as it can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart diseases and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. Triglycerides also are harmful fats found in your blood.
Q. Is Lovastatin a blood thinner or a beta blocker or ACE inhibitor?
No, Lovastatin is a statin (lipid-lowering agents) or HMG CoA reductase inhibitor
Q. How Lovastatin works?
Lovastatin works by blocking an enzyme (HMG CoA) that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, and hence reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood
Q. Is Lovastatin safe or is Lovastatin bad for you?
Yes. Lovastatin is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor
Q. Is lovastatin the same as Lipitor (atorvastatin) or simvastatin or pravastatin?
No, although it belongs to same group of medications called statins
Q. Can I take lovastatin with ibuprofen or Tylenol?
No results found for any interaction of lovastatin with ibuprofen or Tylenol, but always consult with your doctor before taking this medication
Q. Can I take aspirin or niacin with lovastatin?
No, do not take aspirin or niacin with lovastatin, because they interact with each other
Q. Does Lovastatin cause hair loss or dry mouth or weight gain or constipation?
No. Lovastatin does not cause hair loss or dry mouth or weight gain or constipation
Q. Does Lovastatin cause diabetes or raised blood sugar?
No. Lovastatin does not cause diabetes or raised blood sugar
Q. Does Lovastatin cause memory loss or headaches?
Yes, memory loss and headache are the side effects of Lovastatin.