Lovastatin 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets

Available Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Reference Brands: Mevacor (USA/EU), Altoprev (USA/EU)

Category: Heart Disorder

Lovastatin is a statin used to lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. It helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, as part of a treatment plan including diet and lifestyle changes.

Product Description:

Lovastatin was the first statin approved for human use, isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus. Like the rest of the class it inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Less internal cholesterol production makes the liver express more LDL receptors, which pull LDL cholesterol out of the blood. It is a prodrug, given as an inactive lactone that is hydrolysed to the active acid.

It is used to lower cholesterol and to prevent cardiovascular events, though it is a low- to moderate-intensity statin and has largely been replaced by atorvastatin and rosuvastatin where greater LDL reduction is needed. Muscle symptoms are the common complaint, with rare rhabdomyolysis. It is metabolised by CYP3A4, so interactions matter: strong inhibitors such as clarithromycin, itraconazole and HIV protease inhibitors are contraindicated, and dose limits apply with several other drugs. It is best taken with the evening meal, and grapefruit juice should be avoided.

Sourcing notes. Off patent and inexpensive, though its market share has fallen sharply. The extended-release tablet is a separate product with its own bioequivalence requirements. Red yeast rice supplements contain the same molecule, which raises regulatory questions in some markets.