THERAPEUTIC USE OF LOVASTATIN IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

The present review discusses the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety profile, and potential uses of lovastatin in patients with hyperchole sterolemia. Data on the efficacy of lovastatin are evaluated in differ ent patient populations; also, the efficacy of this agent in the long- term treatment of patients followed by the author is presented. No new safety concerns have emerged during long-term treatment of selected p atients with lovastatin, and, in compliant patients, hypolipidemic eff ects are maintained during continuous treatment with therapy that exce eds 5 years. On the basis of available data, lovastatin should be rega rded as one of the drugs of first choice in the treatment of adult pat ients with hypercholesterolemia and increased plasma concentrations of low-density lipoproteins.