Cerivastatin sodium
Cerivastatin sodium (Baycol)
Cerivastatin sodium
(seh- RIHV-ah-stat-in)
Pregnancy Category: X Baycol (Rx)

Classification: Antihyperlipidemic, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

See Also: See also Antihyperlipidemic Agents--HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

Action/Kinetics: Competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase leading to inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and decrease in plasma cholesterol levels. Peak plasma levels: 2.5 hr. t 1/2, terminal: 2-3 hr. Food does not affect blood levels. Undergoes first pass metabolism. Metabolized in liver and excreted through urine and feces.

Uses: Adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, apo B and TG levels in clients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia where hypercholesterolemia is the major finding (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb) when response to diet or other non-pharmacologic approaches have been inadequate. Treatment is important in clients at significantly high risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia.

Contraindications: Use in active liver disease or unexplained elevation of serum transaminases. Pregnancy, lactation.

Special Concerns: Use in women of child-bearing age only when pregnancy is unlikely and they have been informed of potential risks. Drug has not been evaluated in rare homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Due to interference with cholesterol synthesis and lower cholesterol levels, may be blunting of adrenal or gonadal steroid hormone production. Use with caution in renal or hepatic insufficiency. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children.

Side Effects: See also HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Musculoskeletal: Rarely, rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinemia. Also, leg pain, back pain. Respiratory: Rhinitis, cough, pharyngitis, sinusitis. Miscellaneous: Chest pain, rash, pruritus, influenza, accidental trauma, peripheral edema.

Laboratory Test Alterations: ALT, AST.

Drug Interactions: Risk of myopathy when used with azole antifungals, cyclosporine, erythromycin, fibric acid derivatives, and lipid-lowering doses of niacin.

How Supplied: Tablets: 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Hyperlipidemia.
Adults: 0.4 mg once daily in evening. Recommended starting dose in those with significant renal impairment (C _CR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m ²) is 0.2 mg or 0.3 mg once daily in evening.