What Is Atorvastatin Used For?

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a medication that treats high cholesterol by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with coronary heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.

Absorption and Metabalism

• Atorvastatin is rapidly absorbed but is extensively metabolized by the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Most of the drug is excreted in bile and feces, with a trace amount excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Dosing Information

• For prevention of cardiovascular disease, the initial dose is 10 mg to 80 mg taken once a day. To lower cholesterol, the usual initial dose is 10, 20 or 40 mg once a day. The 40 mg starting dose is recommended for patients who require a reduction in LDL ("bad") cholesterol of more than 45 percent.

Precautions

• Atorvastatin should not be used during active liver disease, pregnancy or nursing or while taking azole antifungals. It should be used with caution in people with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, kidney disease and uncontrolled seizures.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

• Most side effects with Atorvastatin are mild and affect the gastrointestinal system. Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, gas and heartburn may occur.

  A rare but potentially fatal side effect is rhabdomyolysis, in which muscle tissue breaks down and releases myoglobin into the blood. Severe kidney damage and failure may occur.

Patient Precautions

• Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses offers the following precautions when taking Atorvastatin:

  Cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be evaluated before beginning therapy, after four to six weeks and periodically thereafter. Liver function tests should also be monitored on a regular basis.

  Report any unexplained muscle pain or tenderness.

  Avoid taking if pregnant or planning to become pregnant or you are nursing.

  Medication should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, restricting alcohol and cessation of smoking.