HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Systemic)
Category- Antihyperlipidemic - Atorvastatin; Cerivastatin#; Fluvastatin; Lovastatin; Pravastatin; Simvastatin
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor - Atorvastatin; Cerivastatin#; Fluvastatin; Lovastatin; Pravastatin; Simvastatin
Description Atorvastatin, cerivastatin#
, fluvastatin,
lovastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin are used to lower levels of cholesterol
and other fats in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused
by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels.
These medicines belong to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme
that is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Thus, less cholesterol is
made.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are available only with your doctor's prescription,
in the following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Atorvastatin
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Cerivastatin
-
Fluvastatin
-
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
-
Lovastatin
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Pravastatin
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Simvastatin
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
# Removed from the market
by Bayer in August 2001. Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- Lescol 3
- Lipitor 1
- Mevacor 4
- Pravachol 5
- Zocor 6
- Baycol 2
|
Note:
|
Baycol was removed from the U.S. market by Bayer in August
2001.
|
In Canada -
- Lescol 3
- Mevacor 4
- Pravachol 5
- Zocor 6
Other commonly used names are:
-
Epistatin
-
Eptastatin
-
Mevinolin
-
Synvinolin
|
Note:
|
For quick reference, the following HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are
numbered to match the corresponding brand names. |
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
Atorvastatin (a-TOR-va-sta-tin) |
| 2. |
Cerivastatin# (se-RIV-a-sta-tin)*† |
| 3. |
Fluvastatin (FLOO-va-sta-tin) |
| 4. |
Lovastatin (LOE-va-sta-tin) |
| 5. |
Pravastatin (PRA-va-stat-in) |
| 6. |
Simvastatin (SIM-va-stat-in) |
| * Not commercially available in the U.S. |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
|
