- Discussion: 
- for reduction of elevated total & LDL cholesterol levels in pts w/ primary hypercholesterolemia;

- Inhibits early step in cholesterol synthesis; 
- Adults: 
- 20 mg PO daily w/ evening meal; 
- may increase at 4 week intervals to max dose of 80 mg/day taken w/ meals; 
- Precaution: 
- monitor LFTs every 6 weeks during first year of therapy; 
- monitor CPK levels for myositis; 
- annual opthalmic exam for opacitities; 
- HA and GI intolerance common