Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Comparative effects of simvastatin and lovastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The Simvastatin and
J A Farmer1, L C Washington, P H Jones
1Department of Medicine, Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
The efficacy, safety profile, and tolerability of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors simvastatin and lovastatin were compared in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Commonly prescribed doses of these two drugs were used by 544 men and women, who followed an American Heart Association phase I diet during a 6-week baseline period and for the 24 weeks of active treatment. Simvastatin 10 mg and lovastatin 20 mg produced statistically significant reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Patients receiving simvastatin 10 mg once daily and lovastatin 20 mg once daily experienced similar reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol; however, simvastatin 20 mg was statistically superior to lovastatin 40 mg in decreasing these lipid fractions. For all treatment groups, increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were inversely related to baseline levels. Moderate decreases in triglycerides occurred with all doses. Lipoprotein(a) levels, measured in a subset of patients, were similar before and after treatment. Both drugs were well tolerated.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Atherosclerosis III: Management

