Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Lescol, Lescol XL
Synonyms :
fluvastatin 
Class :
Statins; HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Lipid-Lowering Agents
Brand Name :
Lescol, Lescol XL
Synonyms :
fluvastatin 
Class :
Statins; HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Lipid-Lowering Agents
Dosage Forms & Strengths  Â
Extended-release tablets Â
80 mg Â
CapsulesÂ
20 mgÂ
40 mgÂ
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
Creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min: Adapt the dosage, not to go beyond 40 mg per day
Hepatic impairment
Inactive liver disease or unexplainable transaminase increases are contraindicated:
20 to 80 mg orally every day
Divide 80 mg/day if necessary into 40 mg orally every 12 hours
begin with 20 to 40 mg orally every night at bedtime
80 mg orally per day for sustained release (Lescol XL)
Patients Requiring <25% Decrease in LDL-C
20 mg orally every day; dosage may be changed in accordance with response and tolerability, but not to exceed
80 mg orally every 24 hours extended-release pill or 40 mg orally every 12 hours (immediate release capsule)
Dosage Forms & Strengths  Â
Extended-release tablets Â
80 mg Â
CapsulesÂ
20 mgÂ
40 mgÂ
Heterozygous Familial HypercholesterolemiaÂ
Recommended for teenagers who are resistant to dietary restriction and whose LDL-C levels are still over 190 mg/dL, or whose LDL-C levels are above 160 mg/dL and who have a positive family history, or who have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease; females must be at least one year postmenarche
For 10 to 16 years: 20 mg orally every night at bedtime initially; dose may be increased to 40 mg orally every 12 hours rapid release or 80 mg at intervals of 6 weeks (Lescol XL) orally every day
For <10 years: Safety and effectiveness are unknown
Refer to adult dosing
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Fc Receptor-Binding agents
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2C9 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
may enhance the serum concentration of fostemsavir
they may diminish the serum concentration when combined with fluvastatin
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
CYP2C9 enhancers may decrease the the bioavailability of fluvastatin 
may enhance the serum concentration of each other when combined
It may enhance the effect when combined with tafamidis meglumine
Combining fluvastatin with pranlukast may cause a reduction in the fluvastatin’s metabolism
When acetohexamide is used together with fluvastatin, this lead to reduction in acetohexamide’s metabolism
When encainide is used together with fluvastatin, this leads to a reduction in the encainide’s metabolism
When fluvastatin is used together with ouabain, this leads to reduction in fluvastatin excretion
When fluvastatin is used together with adenine, this leads to a reduction in the fluvastatin’s metabolism
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased excretion rate of fluvastatin  
may enhance the serum concentration of elbasvir/grazoprevir
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may enhance the serum concentration when combined
may increase the myopathic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
the rate of excretion of fluvastatin may be reduced
by altering metabolism, the levels of fluvastatin may be reduced
When fluvastatin is used together with oliceridine, this leads to reduction in oliceridine’s metabolism
etravirine: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
quinine: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
voxilaprevir: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
ciprofibrate: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
lercanidipine: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
ranolazine: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
ticagrelor: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
verapamil: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
metronidazole enhances the effect of fluvastatin by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP2C9/10 enzyme metabolism
they decrease the absorption of fibric acid derivatives
bezafibrate increases the effect of myopathy on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Actions and Spectrum:Â
fluvastatin acts by blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which oversees producing cholesterol in the liver. fluvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by blocking this enzyme, which in turn decreases the amount of cholesterol generated in the liver.Â
Those with pre-existing heart disease or those who are at high risk of getting it can also use it to lower their chance of developing heart disease. By raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, fluvastatin is excellent in lowering blood triglyceride and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.Â
Frequency Defined Â
<1%Â
Rupture of tendonÂ
CPK increasedÂ
PharyngitisÂ
RhinitisÂ
CoughÂ
PancreatitisÂ
DizzinessÂ
ArthralgiaÂ
MyopathyÂ
RhabdomyolysisÂ
RashÂ
Back painÂ
1-10%Â
Diarrhea (5%)Â
Myalgia (5%)Â
Fatigue (3%Â
Headache (9%)Â
UTI (2%)Â
Transaminases increased (1.1%)Â
Dyspepsia (8%)Â
Nausea (3%)Â
Sinusitis (3%)Â
Bronchitis (2%)Â
Abdominal pain (5%)Â
Insomnia (3%)Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindication:Â
Caution:Â
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
Pregnancy category: N/AÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
PharmacologyÂ
The medicine fluvastatin is a member of the statin or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor pharmacological class. fluvastatin acts by preventing the formation of cholesterol in the liver, which is accomplished by the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. fluvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by blocking this enzyme, which in turn decreases the amount of cholesterol generated in the liver.Â
PharmacodynamicsÂ
fluvastatin’s method of action, which involves inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, results in a decrease in cholesterol synthesis and a rise in the clearance of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from the blood, which is referred to as its pharmacodynamics.Â
The quantity of mevalonate, a precursor molecule involved in the manufacture of cholesterol and other significant compounds in the body, is decreased as a result of fluvastatin’s inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase.Â
PharmacokineticsÂ
Absorption  Â
After oral treatment, fluvastatin is effectively absorbed from the digestive system, with an actual bioavailability of about 24%. Food has no impact on how well fluvastatin is absorbed.Â
Distribution Â
More than 98 percent of fluvastatin is substantially bound to plasma proteins, principally to albumin. fluvastatin has a restricted distribution into tissues, as evidenced by its volume of distribution of 0.35 L/kg.Â
MetabolismÂ
The cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver substantially metabolises fluvastatin, with CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 being the main enzymes involved. fluvastatin acid, fluvastatin 6-hydroxy acid, and fluvastatin 7-hydroxy acid are the main metabolites of fluvastatin. These metabolites help fluvastatin decrease cholesterol in general and are pharmacologically active.Â
Elimination and excretionÂ
Around 80% of the dosage of fluvastatin and its metabolites is removed mostly by the feces, with the remaining 10% passing through the urine. Around three hours pass before fluvastatin is eliminated.Â
Administration: Â
Both immediate-release and extended-release versions of fluvastatin are available, and the dose and frequency of administration may change according on the patient’s age, medical history, and other considerations. fluvastatin is often given once daily, in the evening with or without meals, in doses between 20 and 80 mg.Â
Immediate release depending on the recommended dosage, fluvastatin pills are often taken either once or twice daily. The pill should not be chewed or crushed; it should be consumed whole with a glass of water.Â
Extended release Once daily, fluvastatin capsules should be taken with a glass of water and completely swallowed. It is not recommended to open or chew the capsules as this might reduce their efficacy.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: fluvastatin    Â
Why do we use fluvastatin?Â
fluvastatin is used to treat excessive blood cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol).Â
In individuals with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia, fluvastatin is recommended to lower increased levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.Â
In individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, fluvastatin is recommended to lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and angina.Â
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