Atorvastatin
- 영어발음 듣기
Trade Name
Lipitor (primary brand name); generic atorvastatin
Classification
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin); lipid-lowering agent
Dosage/Route
- * Dosage: Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg
- * Route: Oral (PO)
Usual Dosage
10-20 mg once daily (initial); may increase to 80 mg daily max, based on cholesterol goals and patient response
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, reducing LDL cholesterol synthesis, upregulating LDL receptor activity, and modestly increasing HDL cholesterol. Lowers triglycerides as a secondary effect
Side Effects & Adverse Effects
- * Side Effects: Muscle pain (myalgia), headache, nausea, diarrhea.
- * Adverse Effects:
- – Rhabdomyolysis (rare; severe muscle breakdown, dark urine, elevated CK).
- – Hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes, jaundice).
- – Diabetes risk (new-onset in susceptible patients)
Nursing Management (Implications & Teachings)
- * Implications:
- – Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) baseline and periodically.
- – Assess muscle symptoms and creatine kinase (CK) if pain/weakness occurs.
- – Check for interactions (e.g., avoid grapefruit juice—strong CYP3A4 inhibitor).
- * Teachings:
- – Take at bedtime (cholesterol peaks at night).
- – Report muscle pain, dark urine, or yellowing skin.
- – Follow low-fat diet; avoid excessive alcohol.
- – Don’t stop abruptly—consult provider
Indication for This Patient
- * Hypercholesterolemia (high LDL or triglycerides)
- * Cardiovascular risk reduction (primary prevention in high-risk patients; secondary prevention post-MI/stroke)
Time
- * Timing: Once daily, typically at night
- * Onset: LDL reduction in 1-2 weeks; peak effect in 4-6 weeks
- * Duration: Continuous with daily dosing
