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Atorvastatin calcium
Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin calcium
(ah-TORE-vah-stah-tin)
Pregnancy Category: X Lipitor (Rx)

Classification: Antihyperlipidemic, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

See Also: See also Antihyperlipidemic Agents--HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

Action/Kinetics: Undergoes first-pass metabolism to active metabolites. t1/2: 14 hr. Over 98% bound to plasma proteins. Plasma levels are not affected by renal disease but they are markedly increased with chronic alcoholic liver disease.

Uses: Adjunct to diet when diet and other nonpharmacological methods have not produced an adequate response in primary hypercholesterolemia (including heterozygous familial and non familial hypercholesterolemia), mixed dyslipidemia (including Frederickson types IIa and IIb), hypertriglyceridemia (including Frederickson type IV), primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (including Frederickson type III), and homozygous familial hyperlipidemia.

Contraindications: Active liver disease or unexplained persistently high LFTs. Pregnancy, lactation.

Special Concerns: Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children less than 18 years of age.

Side Effects: See also Antihyperlipidemic Agents--HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. GI: Altered LFTs (usually within the first 3 months of therapy), flatulence, dyspepsia. CNS: Headache, paresthesia, asthenia, insomnia. Musculoskeletal: Myalgia, leg pain, back pain, arthritis, arthralgia. Respiratory: Sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis. Miscellaneous: Infection, rash, pruritus, allergy, influenza, accidental trauma, peripheral edema, chest pain, alopecia.

Laboratory Test Alterations: CPK (due to myalgia).

Additional Drug Interactions: Antacids / Atorvastatin plasma levels Colestipol / Atorvastatin plasma levels Digoxin / Slight in digoxin levels Erythromycin / Atorvastatin plasma levels; possibility of severe myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Oral contraceptives / Plasma levels of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol

How Supplied: Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Dosage
•Tablets Hypercholesterolemias, dysbetalipoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia.
Initial: 10 mg/day; then a dose range of 10-80 mg/day may be used.