[Lovastatin. A new drug for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia]

Thirteen patients with Hypercholesterolemia were selected for therapy with the new lipid-reducing agent LOVASTATIN The most important criterion for entrance was total cholesterol values over 250 mg/dl in spite of an appropriate diet. The initial dose was 20 mg daily. The patients were re-examined at four weeks intervals and the dose was increased in those with total cholesterol values over 200 mg/dl. In each re-examination they had a complete physical and determination of multiple laboratory parameters. Therapy with LOVASTATIN was effective. The total cholesterol levels decreased by 31% and LDL--cholesterol decreased by 40%. There were no significant changes in the levels of triglycerides or HDL-cholesterol. No important toxicity or side effects were associated with the use of this medication.