Cholesterol drug approved.Cholesterol drug approved The first of a new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs has been approved for use in patients, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. ) announced last week. Called lovastatin lovastatin /lo·va·stat·in/ (lo´vah-stat?in) an antihyperlipidemic agent that acts by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and other forms of dyslipidemia and to lower the risks associated with , the drug acts by inhibiting the enzyme that controls the body's production of cholesterol in the liver. This indigenous cholesterol, along with that from certain foods, contributes to a person's blood cholesterol level. Excessive cholesterol levels, along with cigarette smoking and high blood pressure, have been implicated im·pli·cate tr.v. im·pli·cat·ed, im·pli·cat·ing, im·pli·cates 1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot. 2. as contributors to heart disease. Cholesterol build-up build·up also build-up n. 1. The act or process of amassing or increasing: a military buildup; a buildup of tension during the strike. 2. narrows the arteries. Manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme of West Point, Pa., lovastatin joins other cholesterol-lowering drugs like nicotinic acid nicotinic acid: see coenzyme; vitamin. and colestipol (SN: 6/27/87, p.407). In making the announcement, federal officials said clinical studies completed prior to FDA approval showed that lovastatin can reduce total cholesterol levels by 18 to 24 percent. As with the previously pproved drugs, those announcing the approval recommended that lovastatin be used only in high-risk groups and in conjunction with diet and exercise therapy. |
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