THE ROLE OF HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERLIPIDEMIA - A REVIEW OF FLUVASTATIN

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors represent a major advance in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in terms of potency and relative safety. Fluvastatin is the most recently available HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; clinical studies demonstrate that this compound can produce the commonly desired reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of approximately 25% at a dose of 20 to 40 mg daily. Fluvastatin, either as monotherapy or in combination with resins, fibrates, or niacin, seems to have an improved safety profile with respect to liver and muscle enzymes and a lack of interactions with other drugs used in these high-risk patients.