Return to Common Drugs Index
cerivastatin sodium
Baycol, Lipobay§

Pregnancy Risk Category X

How supplied
Tablets
: 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg

Action
Competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA, a precursor of cholesterol. The result is a reduction in the plasma cholesterol level.

Indications & dosage
Adjunct to diet to reduce total and low-density cholesterol levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb) when diet and other nonpharmacologic measures have been inadequate--

Adults:
0.4 mg P.O. daily in the evening.
Adjust-a-dose:
For patients with moderate or severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance 60 ml/minute or less), starting dose is 0.2 mg P.O. daily.
NEW INDICATION:
Adjunct to diet for treatment of elevated triglycerides and apolipoprotein B levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb) when diet and other nonpharmacologic measures has been inadequate--

Adults:
0.4 mg P.O. daily in the evening.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, headache, insomnia, asthenia.
CV:
chest pain, peripheral edema.
EENT:
pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis.
GI:
constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain.
GU:
urinary tract infection.
Hepatic:
elevated transaminase, CK, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, and bilirubin levels.
Metabolic:
altered thyroid function.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia, back or leg pain, myalgia.
Respiratory:
increased cough.
Skin:
rash.
Other:
flulike syndrome.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Azole antifungals, cyclosporine, erythromycin, fibric acid derivatives, immunosuppressants, niacin: may increase the incidence of myopathy. Use together cautiously.
Cholestyramine:
decreased absorption and decreased peak plasma levels of cerivastatin when given within 4 hours of drug. Use together cautiously.
Erythromycin:
may decrease hepatic metabolism of drug and has resulted in increases of cerivastatin of up to 50%. Use together cautiously.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminase levels; also contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index