Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. This medication is typically prescribed for patients with high cholesterol or those at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering statin that reduces cardiovascular risk by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA04
- RxNorm
- 41127
- Generic
- Fluvastatin
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- Lescol
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
discontinue use before pregnancy or if pregnancy occurs. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm
regular fetal monitoring if exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid use
do not use during second and third trimester
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdo not breastfeed
fluvastatin is contraindicated during breastfeeding. Women requiring statin therapy should not breastfeed
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart at low end of dosing range
use with caution. Begin with lowest effective dose and monitor for myopathy
monitor renal function and check for muscle-related symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 10 17 yearspediatric dosing required
may be used in patients 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Monitor growth and development
monitor liver enzymes and growth parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. Monitor renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
active liver diseasedo not use
contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
monitor liver function tests before and during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
history of liver diseaseuse with caution
use with caution in patients with history of liver disease. Monitor liver enzymes
periodic liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Treats hypercholesterolemia (high LDL cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia. Used to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease or at high risk for heart disease. Often combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Fluvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate. By blocking this step in cholesterol biosynthesis, it reduces hepatic cholesterol production, leading to increased LDL receptor expression and decreased blood LDL levels.
Common side effects include headache, digestive symptoms, and muscle aches. May cause liver enzyme elevations and rarely muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). Inform your doctor of any unexplained muscle pain or weakness. Avoid in pregnancy and active liver disease. May interact with CYP2C9 inhibitors, gemfibrozil, and niacin.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy