Lipitor Flashcards

Lipitor Overview

• Generic name: Atorvastatin calcium
• Drug class: Antihyperlipidemic

Dosage Forms

• Available in tablet form: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg

Indications

• Reduces elevated total cholesterol, LDL, apo B, and triglyceride levels
• Increases HDL levels
• Lowers risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, and congestive heart failure
• Effective in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Normal Dosage

• Typical dosage ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg per day, can be taken at any time

Pediatric Dosing

• For children 10-17 years old with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, start with 10 mg daily, titrate up to 20 mg per day in 4-week intervals if needed

Mechanism of Action

• Acts as a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, blocking cholesterol synthesis by increasing LDL receptor uptake

Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

• Metabolized primarily by the cytochrome P450 3A4 system
• Half-life of inhibitory activity ranges from 20 to 30 hours

Drug Interactions

• May increase digoxin levels
• Increased atorvastatin levels may occur with gemfibrozil, grapefruit, nicotinic acid, certain antifungals, and combinations with protease inhibitors

Contraindications and Precautions

• Not suitable for use during pregnancy or lactation
• Avoid in patients with liver disease or elevated serum transaminases
• Use caution in those with liver dysfunction or high alcohol consumption
• Regular liver function tests required for the first three months

Adverse Effects

• Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gas, and myopathy

Patient Consultation Tips

• Adhere to prescribed diet and avoid excessive sun exposure, using sunscreen
• Do not plan to become pregnant during therapy and limit alcohol intake
• Store in a cool, dry place
• If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible unless it's been over 8 hours
• Contact a physician if symptoms of myopathy occur (muscle pain, tenderness, malaise, fever)

Important Monitoring Parameters

• Monitor for muscle soreness and assess CK, ALT, AST, and TSH if symptoms develop

Adverse Reactions to Report

• Myopathy, cognitive impairment, elevated liver enzymes, increased A1C and blood glucose levels, arthralgia, gastrointestinal issues, headache, and rash

Notable Contraindications

• Active or chronic liver disease, classified as pregnancy category X

Patient Information

• Report any symptoms of muscle aches, weakness, or brown urine to a healthcare provider

Explore the essential facts of Lipitor with these flashcards. Learn about its generic name, drug class, dosage forms, and medical indications. Perfect for students or professionals looking to brush up on their pharmacology knowledge.