Lipitor Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the generic name of Lipitor?

Lovastatin

Simvastatin

Atorvastatin calcium (correct)

Rosuvastatin

What drug class does Lipitor belong to?

Antihyperlipidemic

What are the available dosage forms of Lipitor?

Tablets: 10, 20, 40, 80 mg

What are the indications for Lipitor?

Reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL, apo B, triglyceride levels; increase HDL levels; reduce risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, congestive heart failure; reduce total cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal dosage range for Lipitor?

10-80 mg per day, taken at any time of the day Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of Lipitor?

Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, which increases LDL receptors and enhances the uptake of LDL. Signup and view all the answers

How is Lipitor metabolized?

By cytochrome P450 3A4 system Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase for Lipitor?

20-30 hours Signup and view all the answers

What potential drug interactions are associated with Lipitor?

May increase digoxin levels; gemfibrozil, grapefruit, nicotinic acid, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors, and cyclosporine can all increase plasma levels of atorvastatin. Signup and view all the answers

It is safe to take Lipitor during pregnancy.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the common adverse effects associated with Lipitor?

Constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gas, myopathy Signup and view all the answers

What should patients avoid while taking Lipitor?

Overexposure to sunlight, excessive alcohol intake, and becoming pregnant Signup and view all the answers

What important patient information should be reported while taking Lipitor?

Report any muscle aches/weakness or brown urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication of Lipitor for children aged 10-17 with a family history of premature CVD?

Start with 10 mg per day and titrate to a maximum of 20 mg per day in 4 week intervals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for taking Lipitor?

Mild hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the pharmacokinetics of Lipitor?

Metabolized by 3A4, half-life 14 hours Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to Lipitor:

Adverse Reactions = Myopathies, cognitive impairment, elevated liver enzymes, increase in A1C and BG, arthralgias, GI, HA, rash Indications = Clinically evident coronary heart disease, dysbetalipoproteinemia, heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia in ages 10-17, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia Contraindications = Active/chronic liver disease, pregnancy category X Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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

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Description

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.