Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin (pronounced floo-va-stat-in) is a member of the drug class known as statins, which are used primarily for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Etymology
The term "Fluvastatin" is derived from the Latin word 'fluvius' meaning river, and the Greek word 'statos' meaning standing. This is in reference to the drug's ability to slow the flow of cholesterol through the bloodstream.
Usage
Fluvastatin is used to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It is often prescribed to patients with a high risk of heart disease or those who have already had a heart attack.
Mechanism of Action
Fluvastatin works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, the drug reduces the amount of cholesterol produced, thereby lowering the total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Side Effects
Common side effects of fluvastatin include headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle pain. In rare cases, it can cause liver damage and a potentially life-threatening muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fluvastatin
- Wikipedia's article - Fluvastatin
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski