Mevacor (Lovastatin) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Mevacor

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OVERDOSE

After oral administration of MEVACOR (lovastatin) to mice, the median lethal dose observed was > 15 g/m².

Five healthy human volunteers have received up to 200 mg of lovastatin as a single dose without clinically significant adverse experiences. A few cases of accidental overdosage have been reported; no patients had any specific symptoms, and all patients recovered without sequelae. The maximum dose taken was 5-6 g.

Until further experience is obtained, no specific treatment of overdosage with MEVACOR can be recommended.

The dialyzability of lovastatin and its metabolites in man is not known at present.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases (see WARNINGS).

Pregnancy and lactation (see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers). Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, cholesterol and other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway are essential components for fetal development, including synthesis of steroids and cell membranes. Because of the ability of inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase such as MEVACOR (lovastatin) to decrease the synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, MEVACOR (lovastatin) is contraindicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers. MEVACOR (lovastatin) should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, MEVACOR (lovastatin) should be discontinued immediately and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus (see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy).

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