Medications and Drugs

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: LOVASTATIN EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL (LOW-vuh-stat-in)

BRAND NAME(S): Altocor, Altoprev

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Lovastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin". It is used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. This drug may be taken with or without food. Swallow this drug whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medication; this can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section might increase the chances of muscle injury when used with lovastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Limit the amount of grapefruit or grapefruit juice you may eat or drink (less than 1 quart a day) while being treated with this medication, unless specifically directed otherwise. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take lovastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after these medications. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.