Lovastatin Side Effects, Indications, How It Works, Dose, and Preventative action – Lovastatin is a drug used in conjunction with a proper diet to help lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and fat (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increase the “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. The drug is included in a drug group called “Statins” or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. This drug works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering the bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides and increasing the “good” cholesterol, lowers the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
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In addition to eating healthy foods (e.g. cholesterol / low-fat), other lifestyle changes that may help the drug work better including exercising, losing weight if overweight, and quitting smo**king.
Lovastatin is used for older people and children who are at least 10 years old. Consult to the doctor for further details.
Indication.
Used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in diabetics, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
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How the drug works.
Lovastatin works by lowering the rate of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) or LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood, in addition to this, the drug also increases the level of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) in the blood.
Dose.
- Initial dose: 20 mg through the mouth (per oral), 1 time a day at night.
- You can increase the dose up to 80 mg through the mouth (per oral), 1 times a day at night or with a divided dose.
- Mild-Moderate hypercholesterolemia: Start with 10 mg through the mouth (per oral), 1 times a day at night.
- Dosage scope: 20-80 mg through the mouth (per oral), 1 times a day or with a divided dose.
Lovastatin Side effects.
Besides being able to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, cholesterol-lowering drugs also often cause side effects.
Here is a list of possible side effects that can occur with medications containing Lovastatin. This is not a comprehensive list. These Lovastatin side effects allow, but are not always the case. Some of these side effects are rare but serious. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects, especially if the side effects don’t disappear.
Side effects are somewhat rare
- Pain in the bladder,
- Cloudy or bloodstained urine,
- Shortness of breath,
- Difficulty in breathing
- Cough,
- Dark urine,
- Difficulty in urination,
- Difficulty in moving,
- Fever,
- Frequent pee,
- Headache,
- Swelling of the joints,
- Back pain,
- Muscle cramps / aches,
- Pain around the eyes and cheekbones,
- Watery nose,
- Weakness or unusual fatigue.
Unexpected side effects.
- Flatulence,
- Chills,
- Constipation,
- Diarrhea,
- Difficulty swallowing,
- Dizziness,
- Rapid heartbeat,
- Heretic / red spots on the skin,
- Indigestion,
- Light-colored feces,
- Loss of appetite,
- Nausea,
- Abdominal pain,
- Irritated and reddened eyes,
- Throat rashes,
- Upper abdominal pain,
- Vomiting,
- Yellow skin or eyes.
Other side effects of lovastatin, among others:
- Menstruation.
- Dyspepsia.
- Heartburn.
- Dysgeusia.
If you notice any other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to your local food and Drug Administration authorities.
Preventative action.
Before using this medication, inform your doctor about your current drug list, store products (examples, vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g., pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.).
Some health conditions can make you immune to drug side effects. Consumption as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions printed in the product brochure. Dosages based on your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or deteriorates. Important counseling points are outlined below.
- Pregnant, plan to get pregnant or breast feed.
- Avoid foods that contain high fat or cholesterol.
- Have signs of kidney problems, little or no urine, pain or difficult urination, swelling of the legs or ankles, feeling tired or breathlessness, liver problems, nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, fatigue, loss Appetite, dark urine, colored clay stools, or jaundice.
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Thank you very much for reading Lovastatin Side Effects, Indications, How It Works, Dose, and Preventative action, hopefully useful.
Source:
- Image: Panoramix303, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
