Why does Lovastatin require that I take it with a meal while other cholesterol medications don"t?

Question

I have friends who take Lipitor for example and are not told that it must be taken with a meal. Is there some sort of reaction with the food in the case of Lovistatin or is it simply that it is more irritating to the stomach?

Answer 1

It is important to take Lovastatin with a meal. All drugs work differently. Lets say your prescribed amount of lovastatin is 100%, because of the way the drug is absorbed into your blood by your intestines, only 35% gets to your liver (Everything absorbed by your intestines must go through your liver before entering general circulation). And once it is in your liver and gets metabolized, only 5% actually gets into your general circulation. These are the percentages if you take lovastatin with a meal as directed. If you take it on an empty stomach it decreases the amount of drug absorbed by 1/3 meaning only about 24% is absorbed and even less gets to your general circulation, and thus it doesn't work as well because theres not enough of it. Lipitor works differently in the liver, and some foods can block the absorption of the drug. For example, if lipitor is taken with grapefruit juice it will not be absorbed at all, so it wont work. So, I hope this explanation helps!

Answer 2

When To Take Lovastatin

Answer 3

You are correct. Atorvastatin(generic name) Lipitor (brand name)
is usually taken once a day with or without food. Lovastatin
tablet is usually taken once or twice a day with meals. The reason is not explained in the medical literature.
Please note that I am not a medical professional.
Please see the web pages for more details on Lovastatin.

Answer 4

No, it's an older drug and that is how it works better. I quit the lovastatin and started taking Vytorin.

Answer 5

Ask the pharmacist. Statins are usually taken at bedtime.