Pitavastatin (usually as a calcium salt) is a member of the blood cholesterol lowering medication class of statins.

As a consequence, pitavastatin is likely to be appropriate for patients with metabolic syndrome plus high LDL, low HDL and diabetes mellitus.

[citation needed] Common statin-related side effects (headaches, stomach upset, abnormal liver function tests and muscle cramps) were similar to other statins.

[14] Statins are metabolised in part by one or more liver cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to an increased potential for drug interactions and problems with certain foods (such as grapefruit juice).

[11] Pitavastatin (previously known as itavastatin, itabavastin, nisvastatin, NK-104, or NKS-104) was discovered in Japan by Nissan Chemical Industries and developed further by Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Tokyo.