Jp. Desager et Y. Horsmans, CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS OF 3-HYDROXY-3-METHYLGLUTARYL-COENZYME-A REDUCTASE INHIBITORS, Clinical pharmacokinetics, 31(5), 1996, pp. 348-371
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme a (HMG-CoA) reductase is the key e
nzyme of cholesterol synthesis. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are poten
t reversible inhibitors of this enzyme, which act by competing for the
substrate HMG-CoA. This review is mainly devoted to the 4 main HMG-Co
A reductase inhibitors used today: lovastatin, simvastatin. pravastati
n and fluvastatin, Depending upon the dosage, these drugs are able to
reduce plasma cholesterol levels by more than 40%. After absorption, e
ach undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. Up to 5 primary
metabolites are formed, some of which are active inhibitors. The elim
ination half-lives vary from 0.5 to 3.5 hours and excretion is mainly
via the faeces. A limited number of drug interactions has been reporte
d. increases in liver enzymes and muscle creatine kinase activity are
among the most severe adverse effects. These powerful drugs should be
reserved for patients with high plasma cholesterol levels and/or those
with cardiovascular disease. New therapeutic approaches to atheroscle
rosis are currently under investigation. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
are the cornerstone of this research.