atorvastatin calcium

(ah tor va stah tin) Lipitor Pregnancy Category X Drug classes

Antihyperlipidemic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor Therapeutic actions

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum LDLs (associated with increased risk of CAD), and increases serum HDLs (associated with decreased risk of CAD); increases hepatic LDL recapture sites, enhances reuptake and catabolism of LDL; lowers triglyceride levels.

Indications

Adjunct to diet in treatment of elevated total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (types IIa and IIb) and mixed dyslipidemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia whose response to dietary restriction of saturated fat and cholesterol and other nonpharmacologic measures has not been adequate

To increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia Adjunct to diet to treat elevated serum triglyceride levels Adjunct to diet in treatment of boys and postmenarchal girls ages 10 17 with heterozygous familial cholesterolemia if diet alone is not adequate to control lipid levels and LDL-C levels are > 190 mg/dL or if LDL-C level is > 160 mg/dL and there is a family history of premature CV disease or the child has two or more risk factors for the development of coronary disease

Prevention of CV disease in adults without clinically evident coronary disease but with multiple risk factors for CAD such as age > 55 yr, smoking, hypertension, low HDL-C, family history of early CAD; to reduce the risk of MI and risk for revascularization procedures and angina

Dosage & Route

ADULTS

Initially, 10 mg PO once daily without regard to meals; for maintenance, 10 80 mg PO daily. May be combined with bile acidbinding resin. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 1017 YR

Initially, 10 mg PO daily. Maximum, 20 mg/day; do not change dose of intervals < 4 wk.

Adverse effects

CNS: Headache, asthenia GI: Flatulence, abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, liver failure Respiratory: Sinusitis, pharyngitis Other: Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure, arthralgia, myalgia

Contraindications

Contraindicated with allergy to atorvastatin, fungal byproducts, active liver disease or unexplained and persistent elevations of transaminase levels, pregnancy, lactation. Use cautiously with impaired endocrine function.

Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT!

Name confusion has been reported between written orders for Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zyrtec (certirizine). Use extreme caution. Assessment

History: Allergy to atorvastatin, fungal byproducts; active hepatic disease; acute serious illness; pregnancy, lactation Physical: Orientation, affect, muscle strength; liver evaluation, abdominal examination; lipid studies, LFTs, renal function tests Interventions

Obtain LFTs as a baseline and periodically during therapy; discontinue drug if AST or ALT levels increase to 3 times normal levels. WARNING: Withhold atorvastatin in any acute, serious condition (severe infection, hypotension, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic or endocrine disorder, seizures) that may suggest myopathy or serve as risk factor for development of renal failure. Ensure that patient has tried cholesterol-lowering diet regimen for 36 mo before beginning therapy. Administer drug without regard to food, but at same time each day. Atorvastatin may be combined with a bile acidbinding agent. Do not combine with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or fibrates. Consult dietitian about low-cholesterol diets. WARNING: Ensure that patient is not pregnant and has appropriate contraceptives available during therapy; serious fetal damage has been associated with this drug. Teaching points

Take this drug once a day, at about the same time each day, preferably in the evening; may be taken with food. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this drug. Institute appropriate dietary changes. Arrange to have periodic blood tests while you are taking this drug. Alert any health care provider that you are on this drug; it will need to be discontinued if acute injury or illness occurs. Do not become pregnant while you are on this drug; use barrier contraceptives. If you wish to become pregnant or think you are pregnant, consult your health care provider. You may experience these side effects: Nausea (eat frequent small meals); headache, muscle and joint aches and pains (may lessen over time). Report muscle pain, weakness, tenderness; malaise; fever; changes in color of urine or stool; swelling. Generic Name: Citicoline

sodium

Brand Name: Zynapse, Somazine, Cholinerve General Action: CNS Stimulant, Peripheral Vasodilators, Cerebral Activators, Neurotropics

Therapeutic Action of Citicoline

Citicoline increases blood flow and O2 consumption in the brain. It is also involved in the biosysntehsis action.

Indications of Citicoline
Citicoline is indicated in CVD in acute recovery phase in severe s/sx of cerebrovascular insufficiency and in-cranial traumatism and their sequellae. Citicoline in CVA, stimulates brain function.

Contraindications of Citicoline

Any allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug Hypertonia of the parasympathetic nervous system Use cautiously for pregnancy and lactation Conscious use for patient with renal and hepatic damage

Adverse Effects of Citicoline

Fleeting and discrete hypotension effect, increased parasympathetic affects, low blood pressure Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, chest tightness, tingling in mouth and throat

Dosage of Citicoline

100mg/mL x 15mL, adult oral drops of citicholine

Nursing Responsibilities for Citicoline

Take Citicoline as prescribed Take Citicoline on time Monitor patients neurologic status

Note if there are signs of slurring of speech Note for adverse reactions Titer medication when discontinuing Teach patient on how to take the drug Arrange for regular follow-ups