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Atorvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

This document summarizes information about the drug atorvastatin (Lipitor), including its generic and brand names, classification, indications, mechanism of action, dosage, side effects, adverse effects, contraindications, and nursing responsibilities. Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to treat hyperlipidemias and reduce cardiovascular risk. It works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Common side effects include headache while potential adverse effects include myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. Nurses should monitor patients for side effects and obtain baseline labs.

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Micaela Andrea Cielo
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131 views2 pages

Atorvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

This document summarizes information about the drug atorvastatin (Lipitor), including its generic and brand names, classification, indications, mechanism of action, dosage, side effects, adverse effects, contraindications, and nursing responsibilities. Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to treat hyperlipidemias and reduce cardiovascular risk. It works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Common side effects include headache while potential adverse effects include myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. Nurses should monitor patients for side effects and obtain baseline labs.

Uploaded by

Micaela Andrea Cielo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Micaela Andrea C.

Cielo Date: 23/09/19


Year & Section: BS Nursing 4A
Atorvastatin
A. Generic Name atorvastatin
B. Brand Name Lipitor

C. Classification PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC: Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA

reductase inhibitor. CLINICAL: Antihyperlipidemic.


D. Indication Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk pts.
Reduces risk of stroke and heart attack in pts with type 2 diabetes
with or without evidence of heart disease. Reduces risk of stroke in
pts with or without evidence of heart disease with multiple risk
factors other than diabetes. Adjunct to diet therapy in management
of hyperlipidemias (reduces elevations in total cholesterol, LDL-C,
apolipoprotein B triglycerides in pts with primary
hypercholesterolemia),

homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, heterozygous familial


hypercholesterolemia in pts 10–17 yrs of age, females more than 1
yr postmenarche. OFF-LABEL: Secondary prevention in pts who
have experienced a noncardioembolic stroke/TIA or following an
acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event.
E. Mechanism of Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the early
Action: step in cholesterol synthesis. Therapeutic Effect: Decreases LDL
and VLDL, plasma triglyceride levels; increases HDL
concentration.
F. Dosage Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg.
G. Side Effects: Common: Atorvastatin is generally well tolerated. Side effects are
usually mild and transient. Frequent (16%): Headache. Occasional
(5%–2%): Myalgia, rash, pruritus, allergy. Rare (less than 2%–
1%): Flatulence, dyspepsia, depression.
H. Adverse Effects: Potential for cataracts, photosensitivity, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis.
I. Contraindications: Contraindications: Active hepatic disease, breastfeeding, pregnancy,
unexplained elevated LFT results.
J. Nursing BASELINE ASSESSMENT Obtain baseline cholesterol,
Responsibilities: triglycerides, LFT. Question for possibility of pregnancy before
initiating therapy (Pregnancy Category X). Obtain dietary history.
INTERVENTION/EVALUATION Monitor for headache. Assess
for rash, pruritus, malaise. Monitor cholesterol, triglyceride lab
values for therapeutic response. Monitor hepatic function tests,
CPK. PATIENT/FAMILY TEACHING •  Follow special diet
(important part of treatment).  •  Periodic lab tests are essential part
of therapy.  •  Do not take other medications without consulting
physician.  •  Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or divide tablets.  • 
Report dark urine, muscle fatigue, bone pain.  •  Avoid excessive
alcohol intake, large quantities of grapefruit products.
K. Reference Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook

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