atorvastatin calcium

(ah tor' va stah tin)

Lipitor

Pregnancy Category X

Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic
HMG co-enzyme A (HMG CoA) inhibitor

Therapeutic actions
Inhibits HMG CoA, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the cholesterol synthesis
pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum LDLs (associated with
increased risk of CAD), and increases serum HDLs (associated with decreased risk of
CAD); increases hepatic LDL recapture sites, enhances reuptake and catabolism of LDL;
lowers triglyceride levels.

Indications
• Adjunct to diet in treatment of elevated total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and
LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (types IIa and IIb)
and mixed dyslipidemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, and homozygous
familial hypercholesterolemia whose response to dietary restriction of saturated
fat and cholesterol and other nonpharmacologic measures has not been adequate
• To increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed
dyslipidemia
• Adjunct to diet in treatment of boys and postmenarchal girls ages 10–17 with
heterozygous familial cholesterolemia if diet alone is not adequate to control lipid
levels and LDL-C levels are > 190 mg/dL or if LDL-C level is > 60 mg/dL and
there is a family history of premature CV disease or the child has two or more risk
factors for the development of coronary disease

Contraindications and cautions

• Contraindicated with allergy to atorvastatin, fungal byproducts, active liver
disease or unexplained and persistent elevations of transaminase levels,
pregnancy, lactation.
• Use cautiously with impaired endocrine function.

Available forms
Tablets—10, 20, 40, 80 mg

Dosages
ADULTS
Initially, 10 mg PO once daily without regard to meals; for maintenance, 10–80 mg PO
daily. May be combined with bile acid-binding resin.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 10–17 YR
Initially, 10 mg PO daily. Maximum, 20 mg/day.
Pharmacokinetics
Route Onset Peak
Oral Slow 1–2 hr

Metabolism: Hepatic and cellular; T1/2: 14 hr

Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk
Excretion: Bile

Adverse effects
• CNS: Headache, asthenia
• GI: Flatulence, abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia,
heartburn, liver failure
• Respiratory: Sinusitis, pharyngitis
• Other: Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure, arthralgia, myalgia

Interactions
Drug-drug
• Possible severe myopathy or rhabdomyolysis with erythromycin, cyclosporine,
niacin, antifungals, other HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
• Increased digoxin levels with possible toxicity if taken together; monitor digoxin
levels
• Increased estrogen levels with hormonal contraceptives; monitor patients on this
combination
Drug-food
• Decreased metabolism and risk of toxic effects if combined with grapefruit juice;
avoid this combination.

Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT!
Name confusion has been reported between written orders for Lipitor
(atorvastatin) and Zyrtec (certirizine). Use extreme caution.
Assessment
• History: Allergy to atorvastatin, fungal byproducts; active hepatic disease; acute
serious illness; pregnancy, lactation
• Physical: Orientation, affect, muscle strength; liver evaluation, abdominal exam;
lipid studies, liver and renal function tests

Interventions
• Obtain liver function tests as a baseline and periodically during therapy;
discontinue drug if AST or ALT levels increase to 3 times normal levels.
• Withhold atorvastatin in any acute, serious condition (severe infection,
hypotension, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic or endocrine disorder,
seizures) that may suggest myopathy or serve as risk factor for development of
renal failure.
• Ensure that patient has tried cholesterol-lowering diet regimen for 3–6 mo before
beginning therapy.
 • Administer drug without regard to food, but at same time each day.
• Atorvastatin may be combined with a bile acid binding agent. Do not combine
with other HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or fibrates.
• Consult dietitian regarding low-cholesterol diets.
• Ensure that patient is not pregnant and has appropriate contraceptives available
during therapy; serious fetal damage has been associated with this drug.

Teaching points
• Take this drug once a day, at about the same time each day, preferably in the
evening; may be taken with food. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this
drug.
• Institute appropriate dietary changes.
• Arrange to have periodic blood tests while you are on this drug.
• Alert any health care provider that you are on this drug; it will need to be
discontinued if acute injury or illness occurs.
• Do not become pregnant while you are on this drug; use barrier contraceptives. If
you wish to become pregnant or think you are pregnant, consult your health care
provider.
• These side effects may occur: Nausea (eat small, frequent meals); headache,
muscle and joint aches and pains (may lessen over time).
• Report muscle pain, weakness, tenderness; malaise; fever; changes in color of
urine or stool; swelling.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.