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Pronunciation ⬇

a-TORE-va-stat-in

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Pharmacologic Classification: hmg coa reductase inhibitors

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Lowering of total and LDL-C and triglycerides. Slightly increases HDL-C.
  • Reduces the risk of MI and stroke sequelae.
  • Slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis with resultant decrease in coronary heart disease-related events.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 14% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.

Protein Binding: ≥98%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver, most during first pass; excreted in bile and feces. <2% excreted unchanged by the kidneys. 2 metabolites have lipid-lowering activity.

Half-Life: 14 hr (lipid-lowering activity due to atorvastatin and its metabolites—20–30 hr).

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(cholesterol-lowering effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknown20–30 hr‡



‡Following discontinuation.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: chest pain, peripheral edema

Derm: rash, pruritus

EENT: rhinitis

Endo: hyperglycemia

GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, dyspepsia, ↑liver enzymes, nausea, pancreatitis

GU: erectile dysfunction

MS: arthralgia, arthritis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), myopathy, myositis, RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Neuro: amnesia, confusion, dizziness, headache, insomnia, memory loss, weakness

Resp: bronchitis

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Atorvaliq, Lipitor

Pill Image

atorvastatin_195-8844.jpg
atorvastatin_195-8845.jpg

Code ⬆

NDC Code