AtorvastatinPA study guide
Known brand names include Lipitor and Atorvaliq.
A statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Taken once a day alongside diet changes, it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Known brand names include Lipitor and Atorvaliq.
A statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Taken once a day alongside diet changes, it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
First-line. Statins are first-line drug therapy for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Sources: [1]
Labeled use. Heterozygous and homozygous forms, from age 10.
Sources: [1]
Labeled use. Lowers MI, stroke, revascularization, and heart failure hospitalization in established CHD, and prevents events in high-risk adults.
Sources: [1]
A high-intensity statin at 40 to 80 mg and a moderate-intensity statin at 10 to 20 mg. It is a first choice for lowering LDL and preventing cardiovascular events. It needs no renal dose change, which helps in kidney disease. When interacting CYP3A4 drugs cannot be avoided, a statin with fewer CYP3A4 interactions may be preferred.
Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in liver cholesterol synthesis. The liver responds by making more LDL receptors and pulling more LDL out of the blood, and LDL production also falls.
Sources: [1]
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
Sources: [1]
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
None. Renal impairment does not change atorvastatin levels, but it is a myopathy risk factor, so watch for muscle symptoms.
Sources: [1]
Sources: [1]
No specific antidote. Hemodialysis is not expected to help because the drug is highly protein bound.
Sources: [1]
May cause fetal harm based on its mechanism, since it reduces cholesterol synthesis. Stop when pregnancy is recognized, or weigh the patient's ongoing need. Stopping lipid therapy during pregnancy rarely matters for long-term outcomes.
Sources: [1]
Not recommended. Human milk data are lacking, but statins could harm a nursing infant by reducing cholesterol synthesis.
Sources: [1]
Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia from age 10: start 10 mg once daily, range 10 to 20 mg. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia from age 10: start 10 to 20 mg, range 10 to 80 mg.
Effectiveness and safety were similar in trials, but age 65 or older is a myopathy risk factor. Choose the dose cautiously and monitor for muscle symptoms.
Sources: [1]