Lovastatin
(Redirected from Mevacor)
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Mevacor |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihyperlipidemic |
| Pharmacologic class | Statin |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset about 2 weeks; peak 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 2 to 4 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | None. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Contraindicated. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Lovastatin (brand name Mevacor) — Antihyperlipidemic; Statin.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihyperlipidemic.
- Pharmacologic class: Statin.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Same statin mechanism; CYP3A4 metabolized.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset about 2 weeks; peak 4 to 6 weeks.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 2 to 4 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hyperlipidemia.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 20 to 40 mg PO with the evening meal.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 80 mg/day; dose limits with CYP3A4 inhibitors; caution in renal impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Active liver disease, pregnancy, lactation, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
- Black box warning: None.
- Interactions: CYP3A4 inhibitors, grapefruit, fibrates, niacin, red yeast rice.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Contraindicated.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Myalgia, headache, GI upset.
- Serious effects to report: Rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity.
- Antidote / reversal: None.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Lipids, LFTs, pregnancy status.
- Interventions during therapy: Give with evening meal for best absorption.
- Monitor: Lipids, LFTs, CK if symptomatic.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: LDL reduction.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Take with food in the evening; avoid grapefruit.
- Notify provider if: Muscle pain, dark urine, jaundice.
- Administration tips: Take with the evening meal.