Lovastatin Overdose

There have been a few reported cases of overdosing on lovastatin, but no significant problems occurred, and all people recovered completely. The specific effects of an overdose will vary, depending on how much of the medication was taken and whether it was combined with other substances. Treatment for an overdose may include "pumping the stomach," inducing vomiting, and supportive care.

Lovastatin Overdose: An Overview

Lovastatin (Mevacor^®) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of popular cholesterol drugs commonly known as statins. As with most medications, it is possible to take too much lovastatin. The specific effects of an overdose likely will vary, depending on a number of factors, such as the lovastatin dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.

Please seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else may have overdosed on lovastatin.

Effects of Overdosing on Lovastatin

In studies, giving large doses of lovastatin (200 mg per day) did not cause any significant problems. There have also been a few reported cases of lovastatin overdose (with doses up to 6000 mg); no specific problems occurred, and all patients recovered fully.

Treatment for an Overdose

If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may "pump the stomach" or administer certain medications to induce vomiting.

Treatment may also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for an overdose of lovastatin may include:

Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
Careful monitoring of the heart, blood pressure, and breathing
Other treatments based on complications that occur.