What are the different types of generic statins?
Like all statin drugs, generic statins reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream inhibition by HMG-CoA reductase, which is the liver enzyme. Since 2010, seven statin drugs have been prescribed, but only three generic statins were available. They are Mevacor & Reg, available as lovastatin; Pravachol & Reg, available as Pravastatin; and Zocor & Reg, available as Simvastatin. All seven statin drugs fall into two categories: fermentation or synthetic, type 1 or type 2. They seek to reduce cholesterol and other harmful oily substances in the blood when they are taken in conjunction with a diet that reduces fats and cholesterol. Lovastatin can be prescribed in regular or extended tablets that are usually taken once or twice a day. Drinking grapefruit juice when using lovastycine should be prevented because it disrupts the liver's ability to metabolize the drug and can cause high levels to be built in the body. Pravastatin is enzyme bLocator derived from Nocardia Autotrophica . It is a chemical modification of lovastatin. Pravastatin can be prescribed for patients aged 8 years of age who may suffer from a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol. Usually, orthopica is used once a day and for maximum efficiency should be accompanied by a low -fat diet with low cholesterol.
The third of the generic statins is simvastatin, which, like Pravastatin, is an offshoot of lovastatin. The only remarkable difference between them is that Simvastatin contains another methyl group. Especially strong drug, simvastatin can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 50 percent and can be prescribed for patients aged 10 years or older. Simvastatin is available in tablets 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg. Initial doses are usually from 20 mg to 40 mg daily and are used with meals containing minimum fats and cholesterol.
In March 2010, US food and drug administration (FDA) warned an increased risk of muscle damage in patients taking 80 mg simvastatin, the highest approved dose. Muscle damage, called myopathy or rhabdomyolysis in its most serious form, is a potential side effect of all statin drugs, but it is more likely to occur with higher doses. Drinking grapefruit juice when using simvastatin could also pose a risk and be discussed with a prescription physician.