Altocor Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (LOW-vuh-stat-in)
Altocor Oral Uses
Lovastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (e.g., LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins". It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. In general, lovastatin is prescribed after non-drug treatments have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
How To Use Altocor Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this drug whole. Do not chew, crush, or break the medication. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle problems when used with lovastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take lovastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after these medications.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
