Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an HMG Co-A reductase inhibitor, competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, this mechanism results in a compensatory increase in the expression of LDL receptors on hepatocyte membranes and a stimulates catabolism of LDL. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors not only decrease the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), but they also exhibit pleiotropic properties like; improving endothelial function, reduction in inflammation at the site of the coronary plaque, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and anticoagulant effects . This drug is indicated for patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total-Cholesterol, LDL-C, non HDL-C, and TG levels and to increase HDL-C, in patients with hypertriglyceridemia as an adjunct to diet.
Ingredients
Atorvastatin
Dosage Form
Tablet
Uses
High Cholesterol Diseases; Hyperlipidemia, Dyslipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia.
Dosage
Dose must be taken according to doctor’s advice only; doses given below are suggested as supportive literature for better understanding in some areas of requirements. Adult dose: For Primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia: 10-20mg orally once a day. Maintenance dose is: 10-80mg orally a day. For Hypertriglyceridemia: 10mg orally a day as initial dose. Maintenance dose is: 10-80mg orally a day. For Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia: Maintenance dose in this case is: 10-8 mg orally a day. For Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: 10-80mg orally a day. For Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: 10-80mg orally a day. Child dose: For Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: for children of ≥10 years, initial dose is 10mg orally a day, doctor may increase the dose according to patient’s condition with the interval of 4 weeks, do not to exceed 20mg orally a day.
In case of Overdose
There is no specific treatment in the event of overdose. In the event of overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted as required.
Missed Dose
In case you missed any dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember, but don't double your next dose to compensate for the missed one.
How To Use
Atorvastatin can be administered as a single dose at night, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole.
When Not to Use
Atorvastatin should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Atorvastatin should not be used in patients with active liver disease or with unexplained persistent elevations of serum liver enzymes, in pregnancy and breastfeeding.