DRUG MECHANISM INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS/ NURSING

CLASSIFICATION OF ACTION ADVERSE CONSIDERATIONS

EFFECTS
atorvastatin Inhibit an enzyme, Primary prevention - Hypersensitivity CNS: Assessment:
3-hydroxy-3- of cardiovascular - Active liver disease - Assess for
PO (adults): 10-20 methylglutaryl- disease in patients or unexplained - Dizziness contraindications and
mg once daily coenzyme A with multiple risk persistent increase - Headache cautions.
initially: may be (HMG-CoA) factors, for CHD in AST or ALT - Insomnia - Perform a physical
increased q 2-4 wk reductase, which I or type diabetes - Pregnancy or - Weakness assessment to establish a
up to 80 mg/day responsible for mellitus. lactation - Chest pain baseline.
catalyzing an early - Concurrent use of - Peripheral - Monitor orientation and
PO (children 10-17 step in the synthesis gemfibrozil or azole edema reflexes.
yr): 10 mg/day of cholesterol. antifungals - Rhinitis - Monitor respirations and
initially, may be - Concurrent use of - Blurred vision auscultate lungs.
increased q 4 wk up nelfinavir or - Bronchitis - Inspect the abdomen for
to 2o mg/day. ritonavir - Abdominal distention and auscultate
cramps bowel sounds.
- Constipation - Monitor the results of
- Diarrhea laboratory tests
- Flatus Nursing diagnoses:
- Heartburn - Disturbed sensory
- Nausea perception related to
- Rashes CNS effects
- Risk for injury related to
CNS, liver, and renal
effects
- Acute pain related to
headache, myalgia, and
GI effects
- Deficient knowledge
regarding drug therapy
Implementation:
- Administer the drug at
bedtime; give
atorvastatin at any time
during the day.
- Monitor serum
cholesterol, triglyceride,
and LDL levels before
and periodically during
therapy
- Arrange for periodic
ophthalmic
examinations.
- Ensure that the patient
has attempted a
cholesterol-lowering
diet and exercise
program for at least 3-6
month before beginning
therapy.
- Encourage the patient to
make the lifestyle
changes necessary.
- Provide comfort
measures.
 - Offer support and
encouragement.
- Provide thorough patient
teaching.
-
Evaluation:
- Monitor patient
response to the drug.
- Monitor for adverse
effects.
- Monitor for the
effectiveness of comfort
measures and
compliance with the
regimen.
- Evaluate the
effectiveness of the
teaching plan.

Secondary
fluvastatin prevention of
coronary
PO (adults): 20 mg revascularizations
(capsule) once daily procedures in
a bedtime. May be patients with
increased to 80 mg clinically evident
once daily or 40 mg CHD.
twice daily