Mevacor (Lovastatin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Mevacor

Heart Attack »

Heart attack facts

A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle and heart muscle dies.
The blood clot that causes the heart attack usually forms at the site of rupture of an atherosclerotic, cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery.
The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain.
The most common complications of a heart attack are heart failure and ventricular fibrillation.
The risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack include elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and a family history of heart attacks at an early age.
Heart attacks are diagnosed with electrocardiograms and measurement of cardiac enzymes in blood.
Early reopening of blocked coronary arteries reduces the amount of damage to the heart and im...

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MEVACOR®
(lovastatin)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MEVACOR (Lovastatin) is a cholesterol lowering agent isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus. After oral ingestion, lovastatin, which is an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding βhydroxyacid form. This is a principal metabolite and an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol.

Lovastatin is [1S-[1α(R*),3α,7β,8β(2S*,4S*), 8aβ]]-1,2,3,7, 8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl 2-methylbutanoate. The empirical formula of lovastatin is C₂₄H₃₆O₅ and its molecular weight is 404.55. Its structural formula is:

MEVACOR® (LOVASTATIN) Structural Formula Illustration

Lovastatin is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile.

Tablets MEVACOR (lovastatin) are supplied as 20 mg and 40 mg tablets for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient lovastatin, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, and starch. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is added as a preservative. Tablets MEVACOR (lovastatin) 20 mg also contain FD&C Blue 2 aluminum lake. Tablets MEVACOR (lovastatin) 40 mg also contain D&C Yellow 10 aluminum lake and FD&C Blue 2 aluminum lake.

What are the possible side effects of lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using lovastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn;
nausea;

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What are the precautions when taking lovastatin (Mevacor)?

Before taking lovastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with lovastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Older adults may be...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.