Oral atorvastatin calcium belongs to a class of cholesterol lowering agents called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors. It is used in combination with diet modification to treat primary hypercholesterolemia in those at risk for coronary artery disease who have not responded to other treatments alone. It works by blocking activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme vital in the synthesis of cholesterol.
FDA Approved Uses
Used in combination with diet modification to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) and mixed dyslipidemia (Frederickson Types lla and llb).
Used in combination with other lipid reduction therapies or when those therapies are not available, to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels in the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Contraindications
Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy if you are
- Allergic to atorvastatin
- Active liver disease
- Unexplained persistent liver function test elevations
- Nursing mothers
- Known or suspected pregnancy
Dosage and Administration
Dosages may require modification to adjust for individual sensitivities and associated medical conditions.
Adults Under 60
Patients should be placed on a cholesterol-lowering diet before therapy and continued throughout therapy.
For primary hypercholesterolemia: 10 to 80 mg per day. Lipid levels should be monitored 2 to 4 weeks after starting therapy.
For homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: 10 to 80 mg per day.
Adults 60 and Over
Follow the adult dosage, unless a reduced regimen is recommended by your physician.
If You Miss a Dose
Take as soon as possible. If too close to the next dose, skip and take next dose. Do not double next dose.
Side Effects
You may experience the following side effects with the use of this drug:
- Skin rash
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Headache
Precautions
Before starting atorvastatin therapy, an attempt should be made to control hypercholesterolemia with diet, exercise, and a weight reduction regimen if you are obese.
Myopathy, as well as rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure, has been reported in some other HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (the "statin" drugs), and can be a risk factor with atorvastatin as well. The risk of myopathy in other drugs of this class is shown to be increased with the concurrent use of mibefradil, erythromycin, cyclosporine, niacin, fibric acid derivatives, or azole antifungals. This risk should be considered and weighed against the potential benefits of atorvastatin therapy if atorvastatin is to be used concurrently with any of these drugs.
Consult your physician about blood tests monitoring the liver function.
Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Patients who develop abnormalities will be monitored until they are resolved, or a reduction of dose or withdrawal of treatment is recommended by a physician.
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