Atorvastatin

Drug #805

Atorvastatin is antihyperlipidemic agent. Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Atorvastatin is the only drug in its class specifically indicated for lowering both elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolemia. It prevents coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of heart attack.

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Primary Characteristics

Atorvastatin is also known as Atorvastatin Calcium.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Pheynylcarbomoyli.

It belongs to HMGCoA reductase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antilipemic Agent pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 1208.42 · pK_a: 4.6 · Solubility in Water: very slightly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: slightly soluble · Non-proprietary name: Atorvastatin.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Atorvastatin has an oral bioavailability is 57.5% (±17.5%).

Distribution: Atorvastatin has a volume of distribution is 5.4. plasma protein binding is 98%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 14 hr, renal excretion is 2%.

Indications

Atorvastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Familial hypercholesterolaemia, Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers and duodenal errosions.

Contraindications

Atorvastatin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity, Pregnancy, Breast feeding, Actinic keratosis.

Dosage

Atorvastatin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
45 mg	45 mg	Every 24h	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—
0 – 80 mg	—	Every 24h	po
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown2 interactions

5 interactions

Major2 interactions

Moderate2 interactions

Moderate (Sequence important)1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Atorvastatin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Arthralgia, Asthenia , Backache , Blurred vision, Constipation , Diarrhea, Dyspepsia , Elevation of liver enzymes, Fever, Flatulence, GI disturbance, Headache, Increased intracranial pressure, Insomnia, Malaise, Myalgia, Myopathy, Pharyngitis, Sinusitis , Skin rashes, Weakness.

Warnings / Precautions

Atrovastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, severe infection, heart disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery, low blood pressure, any allergy or any other medical problem. Atrovastatin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so patient should observe caution while driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Tabs

10 mg 20 mg 40 mg 5 mg 80 mg

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Tabs

10 mg 20 mg 40 mg 5 mg

Storage Conditions

Atorvastatin should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.12.6 — Lipid-regulating drugs /Anti-atheromas