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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Systemic)

Description and Brand Names | Before Using | Proper Use | Precautions | Side Effects


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
    • Tablets#
  • 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 Names

Some 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

   

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HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Before Using

Date Revised: 02/14/2002









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Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006