Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Lipitor
- Lipid-Lowering Agents, Statins;
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Description
Potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Used to treat hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, to prevent cardiovascular events in patients at risk for CHD or with clinical evidence of CHD, and for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia; reduces LDL cholesterol, apoprotein B, and triglycerides; increases HDL
Has a long half-life and high hepatic selectivity
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, including hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, or hypertriglyceridemia, as an adjunct to dietary control, for the purpose of reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction prophylaxis, stroke prophylaxis).
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin
Active liver disease or unexplained transaminase elevation
Adverse Effects
Diarrhea (5-14%)
Nasopharyngitis (4-13%)
Arthralgia (4-12%)
Insomnia (1-5%)
Urinary tract infection (4-8%)
Nausea (4-7%)
Dyspepsia (3-6%)
Increased transaminases (2-3%)
Muscle spasms (2-5%)
Musculoskeletal pain (2-5%)
Myalgia (3-8%)
Limb pain (3-8%)
Pharyngolaryngeal pain (1-4%)
Angina
Syncope
Dyspnea
Myopathy
Anaphylaxis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Myositis
Warnings
Nonserious and reversible cognitive side effects may occur
Increased blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels reported with statin intake
Heavy alcohol use, renal failure, history of liver disease
Fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure reported (rare)
Pregnancy and Lactation
Owing to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, fetal harm may occur when administered to pregnant females
There is no available information on effects of drug on breastfed infant or on milk production
Maximum Dosage
80 mg/day PO.
80 mg/day PO.
20 mg/day PO.
10 to 12 years: 20 mg/day PO.
6 to 9 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, doses up to 10 mg/day PO have been included in some study protocols.
1 to 5 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Atorvastatin calcium
