Lovastatin Dosage

There are several factors that your healthcare provider may consider when determining the effective lovastatin dosage in your case. These factors include the illness you are being treated for, other existing medical conditions, drugs you are currently taking, the desired cholesterol level, and your age.

Since not all patients are the same, each patient may be prescribed with a unique lovastatin dosage. Don’t be surprised to find your dose to be a little higher or lower than your friend’s. You should never self-medicate, if you are unsure of your dosage then you should talk with your doctor.

What is the usual lovastatin dosage?

Usually, the average daily dose of lovastatin for adults ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg; for children, the usual starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg once a day. As with any other medication, do not adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Blood cholesterol levels are checked at regular intervals (4 weeks or more) while on lovastatin treatment. If the desired cholesterol level is not achieved, your physician may choose to increase the dosage. The dose may also be reduced if side effects become apparent. Compliance with the scheduled physician visits is necessary for the drug to be fully effective and to prevent any unwanted effects.

Below is general information on lovastatin dosage for specific medical conditions.

Management of Hyperlipidemia in Adults (High Blood Cholesterol Levels)

Initially, 20 mg tablet of lovastatin is given once a day at bedtime, then gradually adjusted until the desired blood levels is achieved. Maintenance dose ranges from 10 to 80 mg taken twice a day.

For extended release tablet, the initial dose ranges from 20 to 60 mg taken in the evening with meals. A maintenance dose ranges from 10 to 60 mg and may be adjusted accordingly.

Patients who need minor reductions in blood cholesterol level may be given 10 mg once a day at bedtime.

Management of Hyperlipidemia in Children

The usual pediatric dose (ages 10 to 17 years) is 10 mg taken once a day. Maintenance dose ranges from 10 to 40 mg taken once a day. Dose may be adjusted every 4 weeks but additional dose should not be more than 10 mg. The dose can also be decreased if side effects become apparent.

For lack of evidence on the safety of lovastatin extended-release tablets on pediatric patients, use of such medications in children is not normally recommended.

Use in Patients with Other Underlying Medical Conditions

• Renal Problems: Lovastatin dosage for patients with severe kidney disease may be adjusted accordingly. While on lovastatin, the patient should also be carefully evaluated and monitored for adverse reactions. Patients undergoing dialysis may not need additional dose.
• Liver Problems: Liver function tests are recommended before initiating lovastatin therapy in patients with history of liver disease. Subsequent tests should also be performed throughout the treatment, especially for patients taking 40 mg or more per day.
• Your physician will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to check other underlying medical conditions before prescribing this medication.
• Remember do not take more or less of the prescribed lovastatin dosage for the medication to be effective.