About lovastatin
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Used for
- Treats high cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol.
- Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke in some people.
Usual adult dose
Usually 20–80 mg once daily with the evening meal; dose depends on treatment goal.
Usual dose in children
For familial high cholesterol, ages 10–17: usually 10–40 mg once daily with the evening meal.
Common side effects
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Headache or dizziness
- Stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Raised liver enzyme levels
Important warnings
- Rarely, severe muscle injury can occur; risk is higher with some medicines.
- Liver problems can occur; avoid heavy alcohol use.
- Not suitable during pregnancy; treatment should be stopped if pregnancy occurs.
- Take with food, preferably the evening meal; grapefruit can raise drug levels.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy. Stop treatment if pregnancy occurs; discuss any exposure with a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking lovastatin.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin and some antifungals, can cause dangerous muscle injury.
- Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, and some other fibrates increase muscle injury risk.
- Grapefruit juice can increase lovastatin levels.
- Warfarin may require closer monitoring when lovastatin is started or its dose changes.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.