৳ 12/unit
Pack: ৳ 120
৳ 12/unit
Pack: ৳ 120
At a glance
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin) used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It blocks HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
Indications
- Primary hyperlipidemia, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, dysbetalipoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in patients aged 10 years and older
- Reduction of MI, stroke, and revascularization in adults with multiple CHD risk factors or type 2 diabetes
Pharmacology
Atorvastatin competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate in cholesterol synthesis. It increases hepatic LDL receptors, enhancing LDL catabolism.
In dose-response studies, atorvastatin reduces total cholesterol by 30-46%, LDL-C by 41-61%, apolipoprotein B by 34-50%, and triglycerides by 14-33%. Approximately 70% of circulating HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity is attributed to active metabolites.
Dosage
Adults:
- Primary hyperlipidemia, dysbetalipoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia: 10-20 mg once daily; may increase to 40 mg.
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: 10 mg initial; may increase to 20-40 mg.
- Cardiovascular event prevention: 10-20 mg daily (40 mg in older adults).
Pediatric (10-17 years - HeFH):
- Initial dose: 10 mg daily.
- Maximum dose: 20 mg daily (increase at ≥4-week intervals).
Dose Modifications for Drug Interactions:
- Clarithromycin, itraconazole, saquinavir+ritonavir, darunavir+ritonavir: Do not exceed 20 mg daily.
- Nelfinavir: Do not exceed 40 mg daily.
Side effects
- Common (≥5%): Nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, arthralgia, pain in extremity, urinary tract infection
- Other: Headache, constipation, muscle pain, nausea, indigestion
- Serious (rare): Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, hepatic injury, diabetes, increased blood glucose
Use in pregnancy
[UNSAFE] Do not use during pregnancy. Cholesterol is essential for fetal development; cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Serious Precautions:
- Report any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not use if you have active liver disease or unexplained liver enzyme elevations.
- Monitor blood sugar in diabetic patients (atorvastatin may slightly increase blood glucose).
- If signs of serious liver injury (abdominal pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes) occur, discontinue and consult your doctor.
- Use caution in patients with substantial alcohol consumption, history of liver disease, or hypothyroidism.
Overdose effects
No specific antidote for overdose. Symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.