The Effect of Lovastatin(Mevacor(R)) in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia.
10.4070/kcj.1991.21.2.328
- Author:
Su Young LEE
;
Chun Suk KYOUNG
;
Dong Chan KIM
;
Kye Heui LEE
;
Sang Joon CHOI
;
In SON
;
Seong Hoon PARK
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Hypercholesterolemia;
Lovastatin
- MeSH:
Cholesterol;
Coenzyme A;
Humans;
Hypercholesterolemia*;
Lovastatin;
Mevalonic Acid;
Oxidoreductases
- From:Korean Circulation Journal
1991;21(2):328-336
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Lovastatin is a potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, which catalyzes the conversion of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, anearly and rate-limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol. We studied the therapeutic effect and safety of lovastatin in 18 patients with nonfamilial primary hypercholesterolemia. Patients received 20mg/day lovastatin therapy as a single evening dose. If the total cholesterol level exceeded 200mg/dl after 2weeks of lovastatin therapy, the dosage of lovastatin was doubled. Mean percent total cholesterol level reductions from baseline were 26.4% and 31.9% after 4, and 8 weeks of lovastatin therapy respectively. Mean percent HDL-cholesterol level increase from baseline were 12% and 13% after 4, and 8 weeks of lovastatin therapy respectively. Adverse effects attributable to lovastatin were mild and temporary and no patient was withdrawn from therapy. We concluded that lovastatin was a well tolerated and effective agent for the treatment of nonfamilial primary hypercholesterolemia. Further studies are needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of this drug.
