Description
Generics: Atorvastatin Calcium
Dosage Form: Tablet.
Indications:
- To lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, both heterozygous and homozygous.
- To treat patients with combined dyslipidemia who have high cholesterol and triglycerides (Fredrickson Type Ia and Ib).
- For the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia patients with increased blood triglyceride levels (Fredrickson Type IV), dysbetalipoproteinemia patients (Fredrickson Type III).
- Reduce myocardial ischemic episodes in people with asymptomatic or mild to moderate symptomatic coronary artery disease and high LDL cholesterol.
- Patients with hypercholesterolemia linked with or aggravated by diabetes mellitus or renal transplantation should have their total and LDL cholesterol levels reduced.
Pharmacology:
Atorvastatin is a selective inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. Atorvastatin lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell surface for enhanced uptake and catabolism of LDL.
Dosage guideline:
Ones in daily.
Primary hypercholesterolaemia and combined hyperlipidaemia-
- Adults: Usually 10 mg once daily; if necessary, may be increased at intervals of at least 4 weeks to max. 80 mg once daily.
- Child (10-18 years): Initially 10 mg once daily, increased if necessary at intervals of at least 4 weeks to usual max. 20 mg once daily.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia-
- Adults: Initially 10 mg daily, increased at intervals of at least 4 weeks to 40 mg once daily; if necessary, further increased to max. 80 mg once daily (or 40 mg once daily combined with anion-exchange resin in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia).
- Child (10-18 years): Initially 10 mg once daily, increased if necessary at intervals of at least 4 weeks to usual max. 80 mg once daily.
Prevention of cardiovascular events-
- Adults: Initially 10 mg once daily adjusted according to response.
Route of administration: Orally.
Interaction:
The risk of myopathy during treatment with Atorvastatin is increased with concurrent administration of cyclosporin, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, azole antifungals and niacin. No clinically significant interactions were seen when Atorvastatin was administered with antihypertensives or hypoglycemic agents. Patients should be closely monitored if Atorvastatin is added to digoxin, erythromycin, oral contraceptives, colestipol, antacid and warfarin.
Contraindications:
Atorvastatin should not be used in patient with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Atorvastatin is contraindicated in active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases. It is also contraindicated in patient with history of serious adverse reaction to prior administration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Side Effects:
Atorvastatin is generally well-tolerated. The most frequent side effects related to Atorvastatin are constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, abdominal pain. Other side effects includes infection, headache, back pain, rash, asthenia, arthralgia, myalgia.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Safety in pregnant women has not been established. No controlled clinical trials with atorvastatin have been conducted in pregnant women. Rare reports of congenital anomalies following intrauterine exposure to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been received. Animal studies have shown toxicity to reproduction. Maternal treatment with atorvastatin may reduce the fetal levels of mevalonate which is a precursor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Atorvastatin should not be used in women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or suspect they are pregnant. Treatment with atorvastatin should be suspended for the duration of pregnancy or until it has been determined that the woman is not pregnant
Lactation: It is not known whether atorvastatin or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. In rats, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and its active metabolites are similar to those in milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, women taking atorvastatin should not breastfeed their infants. Atorvastatin is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Precautions & Warnings:
Liver effects: Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol or have a history of liver disease. Atorvastatin therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
Hepatic impairment: Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Pediatric use: For patients aged 10 years and above, the recommended starting dose of atorvastatin is 10 mg per day with titration up to 20 mg per day. Atorvastatin is not indicated in the treatment of patients below the age of 10 years.
Therapeutic Class:
Other Anti-anginal & Anti-ischaemic drugs, Statins
Storage Conditions:
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Manufactured by: Opsonin Pharma Ltd.
