Cerivastatin sodium

Oral
Hypercholesterolaemia

Severe: Max 200 mcg once daily.

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevated serum transaminase levels; porphyria. Pregnancy.

Severe renal impairment.

GI disturbances, dysgeusia; headache, dizziness, insomnia; rashes; blurred vision. Rarely, HTN; somnolence, oedema, fever, abnormal laboratory test, angina pectoris, anorexia, colitis, duodenal ulcer, GI haemorrhage, anaemia, leucopaenia, increased amylase, myopathy, hyperkinesia, paralysis, corneal ulcer, abnormal renal function.
Potentially Fatal: Hepatitis, pancreatitis, severe rhabdomyolysis.

Monitor LFT.

May increase risk of rhabdomyolysis w/ HIV protease inhibitors. May increase risk of myopathy w/ immunosuppressants, fibric acid derivatives, nicotinic acid. Increased bleeding risk w/ anticoagulants. Increased plasma levels w/ mibefradil.

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Cerivastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. It reduces LDL and VLDL, but increases HDL by stimulating an increase in LDL receptors on hepatocyte membranes thus increasing LDL clearance.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the GIT.
Distribution: Plasma protein binding: 99%.
Metabolism: Undergoes hepatic metabolism; converted to active metabolites.
Excretion: Via urine and faeces (as metabolites). Elimination half-life: 2-3 hr.

Store below 25°C.

Dyslipidaemic Agents

Buckingham R (ed). Cerivastatin Sodium. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 31/10/2013.

Cerivastatin Sodium. MIMS India. http://mims.com/India. Accessed 31/10/2013.

Statins and HIV or Hepatitis C Drugs: Drug Safety Communication - Interaction Increases Risk of Muscle Injury. U.S. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/. Accessed 31/10/2013.