Episode #6: atorvastatin (Lipitor) | Podcast Show Notes
atorvastatin (a TORE vas ta tin)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for atorvastatin along with a brief summary of various points on atorvastatin.Â
This episode of Drug Cards Daily is on the drug atorvastatin. It also goes by the brand name is Lipitor.
Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor and is known for the treatment of Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD).
The dosage form for atorvastatin are tablets and they come in a variety of doses.Â
The initial dosing for Dyslipidemia begins at 10-20 mg once daily. After initiation the therapy is evaluated every 1-3 months. After that it is evaluated every 3-12 months thereafter.
The dosing for ASCVD treatment follows the moderate-intensity or high-intensity dosing. It is based on ASCVD 10-Year risk. The drug intensities are categorized as follows: Â
- Moderate-intensity (10-20 mg/day, reducing LDL-C by 30-49%)
- High-intensity (40-80 mg/day, reducing LDL-C by 50% or more)
This drug is metabolized hepatically with an onset of action between 3-5 days. Side effects include joint pain, stuffy nose, sore throat and insomnia.
This drug is not to be used if the patient is or may be pregnant and should be stopped 1-2 months prior to trying to conceive.
PDF of Drug Card: atorvastatin
