Lovastatin
Statin drugs do its action by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis.
On latest update relevant data on breastfeeding was not found.
Its high plasma protein binding makes excretion into breast milk unlikely.
Ability to alter fat composition of breast milk is unknown which is important since infants are in need of high amounts of cholesterol for adequate brain development, cell membrane building and hormone and vitamin synthesis.
Avoid taking it at least while exclusive breastfeeding. Atorvastatin is possibly the safest statin drug because a higher molecular weight that lowers excretion into breast milk even more extensively. For Pravastatin a minimal excretion has been reported. Simvastatin has a lowest oral bioavailability.
Avoiding drug treatment for cholesterol as long as breastfeeding is desired would probably not harm long term result of disease. Continuing with a low fat containing diet is recommended.
Alternatives
- Atorvastatin Calcium (High Risk probable)
- Colestipol (Very Low Risk)
- Colestyramine (Very Low Risk)
- Ezetimibe (Low Risk probable)
- Pravastatin (High Risk probable)
- Simvastatin (High Risk probable)
- Colesevelam Hydrochloride (Very Low Risk)
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Mevinolin
- Monacolin K
Drug trade names
- Altocor™
- Aterkey™
- Cardiostatin™
- Casbame™
- Colesvir™
- Dilucid™
- Dislipin™
- Hiposterol™
- Hipovastin™
- Holetar™
- Levistan™
- Lipdaune™
- Liperol™
- Liposcler™
- Lipus™
- Lispor™
- Lostatin™
- Lovabeta™
- Lovacol™
- Lovanil™
- Lovasterol™
- Lovas™
- Lovast™
- Lova™
- Lovaton™
- Lovax™
- Medostatin™
- Mevacor™
- Mevasterol™
- Mevinacor™
- Mevlor™
- Minor™
- Neolipid™
- Nergadan™
- Reducol™
- Rovacor™
- Sanelor™
- Sivlor™
- Taucor™
- Tecnolip™
References
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding. A guide for the medical profession. Eighth Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016
- Schachter M. Chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of statins: an update. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2005Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Lennernäs H, Fager G. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Similarities and differences. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1997Abstract