What is "lovastatin"

n. (context medicine English) A statin that inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol

n. an oral drug (trade name Mevacor) to reduce blood cholesterol levels; used when dietary changes have proved inadequate [syn: Mevacor]

Lovastatin (Merck's Mevacor) is a statin drug, used for lowering cholesterol ( hypolipidemic agent) in those with hypercholesterolemia to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Lovastatin is a naturally occurring compound found in food such as oyster mushrooms, red yeast rice, and Pu-erh.