Generic Name: Atorvastatin calcium

Brand Names: Lipitor

Classification:
Antihyperlipidemia, HMG-C0A reductase inhibitor
Mode of Action:
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an early (and rate-limiting) step in
cholesterol biosynthesis.
Date Ordered: August 5,2010
Dosage:
Ordered dose: 80 mg 1 tab OD @ HS
Suggested dose:
Hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia
o 10-20 mg once daily (40 mg/fay for those who
require more than 40 % reduction in LDL
cholesterol), then a dose range of 10-80 mg once
daily may be used
o individualize therapy according to goal of therapy
and response
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
o 10-80 mg/day
o use as adjunct to other lipid lowering treatments
Prophylaxis of CV disease
o 10 gm/day
Indications:
reduction of elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol,
apolopoprotein B and triglycerides in patients with primary
hypercholesterolemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, heterozygous and
homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart
complications in people with coronary heart disease or type
2 diabetes
Contraindications:
 Hypersensitivity
Patients at risk for bleeding
Elective surgery
Patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have bleeding
diathesis.
Pathologic bleeding (peptic ulcer, intracranial hemorrhage)
Side effects:
CNS: headache,
CV: peripheral edema
EENT: rhinitis, sinusitis
GI: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, constipation,
diarrhea
GU: UTI
Skin: rash
Other: infection, flulike syndrome,
Adverse effects:

asthenia,
insomnia
Respiratory: bronchitis
allergic reactions
pharyngitis
myalgia
fever
pain
Musculoskeletal: arthritis, arthralgia,
Drug Interaction:
Cyclosporine
Fibric acid derivatives
Erythromycin
Azole fungals
Niacin
Colestipol
Digoxin
 Oral contraceptives
anatcids
Nursing Responsibilities:
use only after diet and other nondrug therapies prove ineffective.
Patient should follow a standard low-cholesterol diet before and
during therapy.
before starting treatment, assess patient for underlying causes
for hypercholesterolemia and obtain a baseline lipid profile.
obtain periodic liver function test results and lipid levels before
staring treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation, or after
an increase in dosage and periodically thereafter.
drug may be given as single dose at any time of day, with or
without food.-watch for signs of myositis
proper dietary management, weight control, and exercise.
Give importance in controlling high fat levels
Watch out for adverse reactions, such as muscle pain, malaise,
and fever
drug can be taken at any time of day, without regard to meals.