Atorvastatin (Atorvastatin)
Overview of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is antihyperlipidemic agent. Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Atorvastatin is the only drug in its class specifically indicated for lowering both elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolemia. It prevents coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of heart attack.
Indication of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Familial hypercholesterolaemia, Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers and duodenal errosions.
Contraindication of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity,Pregnancy,Breast feeding,Actinic keratosis.
Side Effects of Atorvastatin
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Atorvastatin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Weakness, Headache, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Constipation, Insomnia, Abdominal pain, Skin rashes, Blurred vision, Pharyngitis, Dyspepsia, Malaise, Asthenia, Arthralgia, Elevation of liver enzymes, Myopathy, Backache, Increased intracranial pressure, GI disturbance, Sinusitis.
Precautions of Atorvastatin
Atrovastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, severe infection, heart disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery, low blood pressure, any allergy or any other medical problem. Atrovastatin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so patient should observe caution while driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.