Composition
Cap 20 mg/40 mg: Fluvastatin (as sodium salt) 20 mg/40 mg. Tab 80 mg: Fluvastatin (as sodium salt) 80 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Adjunct to diet in primary hypercholesterolaemia or combined (mixed) hyperlipidaemia (types IIa and IIb): Adult: Initially 20-40 mg daily, dose to be taken in the evening, increased if necessary up to 80 mg daily in2 divided doses, dose to be adjusted at intervals of atleast 4 weeks. Children 9-18 yrs: initially 20 mg daily in the evening, adjusted in steps of 20 mg daily at inter-vals of at least 6 wk, max 80 mg/day (40 mg twice daily). Prevention of coronary events after percutaneous coronary intervention: Adult: 80 mg daily.
Contraindications
Severe renal impairment, active liver disease, hepatic impairment, undiagnosed persistent eleva-tions in serum transaminases, women of child bearing potential unless they are taking adequate contraceptive precautions.
Precautions
History of liver disease or alcoholism. Perform liver function tests before and during therapy. Discontinue therapy if marked increase in aspartate or alanine transaminases or creatine phosphokinase. Advise patient to report any unexplained myalgias, muscle tenderness or weak-ness. Conditions predisposing to rhabdomyolysis
Interactions
lmmunosuppressive drugs, nicotinic acid, eryth-romycin, rifampicin, cimetidine, ranitidine, gemfibrozil and other fibrates.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Lactation
Not recommended.
Side Effects
GI disturbances, sinusitis, hypoesthesia, UTIs, insomnia, tooth disorders. Rare: Abnormal liver function tests, muscle toxicity.