Lovastatin
Lovastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver, which helps decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while modestly increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This medication is typically prescribed along with diet and exercise for patients with hypercholesterolemia to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events.
Lovastatin is a cholesterol-lowering statin used to treat high cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA02
- RxNorm
- 6472
- Generic
- Lovastatin
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- Altoprev
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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
- 20-40mg once daily with evening meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg once 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
Lovastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.
discontinue if pregnancy occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid use
Continue avoiding use throughout pregnancy. Statins may affect fetal development.
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeeding mothersdiscontinue or do not initiate
Lovastatin is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers. The drug is excreted in breast milk and may cause serious adverse reactions in infants.
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart with lowest dose
Use caution in patients over 65 years. Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Start at lowest effective dose and monitor closely for muscle pain or weakness.
regular monitoring of liver function and muscle symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 10 17 yearsage-appropriate dosing
May be used in patients 10-17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Monitor growth and development. Not recommended for pre-pubertal children.
monitor growth, liver function, and muscle symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse lower dose
Use with caution in severe renal impairment. Increased risk of myopathy. Consider dose reduction and close monitoring.
monitor renal function and creatine kinase
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 liver transaminases.
monitor liver function tests regularly
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol uselimit alcohol intake
Use with caution in patients who consume excessive alcohol. Increased risk of liver toxicity. Advise limiting alcohol consumption.
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Lovastatin (Altoprev)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Lovastatin
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use for lowering LDL cholesterol
Mechanism of action
Biochemical mechanism of cholesterol lowering
Lovastatin is used to treat primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in at-risk patients.
Lovastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, the liver produces less cholesterol and takes up more LDL cholesterol from the blood, lowering overall circulating cholesterol levels.
Lovastatin should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in patients with active liver disease. Common side effects may include muscle pain, headache, and digestive issues. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication and report unexplained muscle pain or weakness to their healthcare provider.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy