Lovastatin

Generic name: lovastatin [ LOE-va-sta-tin ]
Brand names: Altoprev, Mevacor, Altocor
Dosage forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg); oral tablet, extended release (20 mg; 40 mg; 60 mg)
Drug class:Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 6, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lovastatin?

Lovastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Lovastatin is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in adults with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

Lovastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not take lovastatin if you have active liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Stop taking lovastatin and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lovastatin if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or

• you have active liver disease.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with lovastatin. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• nefazodone;

...