Medication Card

Generic name of medication: Brand/trade name of medication:

atorvastatin TAB Lipitor

Drug classification (i.e. beta blocker, etc): Patient dose: 40 mg PO

Ther. Class. Safe dose ranges: PO: (Adults) 10–20 mg
lipid-lowering agents once daily initially; (may start with 40 mg/day
if LDL-C needs to be ↓ by >45%); may be ↑
Pharm. Class. every 2–4 wk up to 80 mg/day; Concurrent
hmg coa reductase inhibitors nelfinavir therapy– Dose should not exceed
40 mg/day; Concurrent clarithromycin,
itraconazole, saquinavir/ritonavir,
darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir, or
fosamprenavir/ritonavir therapy–Dose should
not exceed 20 mg/day.
PO: (Children 10–17 yr): 10 mg/day
initially, may be ↑ every 4 wk up to 20
mg/day; Concurrent nelfinavir therapy– Dose
should not exceed 40 mg/day; Concurrent
clarithromycin, itraconazole,
saquinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir,
fosamprenavir, or fosamprenavir/ritonavir
therapy–Dose should not exceed 20 mg/day.

Is the dose safe: YES

Therapeutic effect (i.e. decreased heart Indication in this patient-

rate, etc) and when it should develop: Hyperlipidemia
Therapeutic Effect(s):
· Lowering of total and LDL cholesterol and
triglycerides. Slightly increases HDL cholesterol.
· Reduction of lipids/cholesterol reduces the risk of
myocardial infarction and stroke sequelae.
· Slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis with
resultant decrease in coronary heart disease–related events.
 Pre and post administration assessment: Unique nursing considerations:
· Obtain a diet history, especially with regard to fat Contraindicated in:
consumption. · Hypersensitivity
Lab Test Considerations: Evaluate serum cholesterol · Active liver disease or unexplained persistent
and triglyceride levels before initiating, after 2–4 wk elevations in AST and ALT
of therapy, and periodically thereafter. · OB: Potential for fetal anomalies
· Monitor liver function tests prior to initiation of therapy · Lactation: May appear in breast milk.
and as clinically indicated. If symptoms of serious liver injury, Use Cautiously in:
hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice occurs discontinue · History of liver disease
atorvastatin and do not restart. May also cause ↑ alkaline · Alcoholism
phosphatase and bilirubin levels. · Renal impairment
· If patient develops muscle tenderness during therapy, · Concurrent use of gemfibrozil, azole
CPK levels should be monitored. If CPK levels are >10 times antifungals, erythromycin, clarithromycin, protease
the upper limit of normal or myopathy occurs, therapy should inhibitors, niacin, or cyclosporine (higher risk of
be discontinued. Monitor for signs and symptoms of immune- myopathy/rhabdomyolysis)
mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) (proximal muscle
· OB: Women of childbearing age
weakness and ↑ serum creatine kinase), persisting despite
discontinuation of statin therapy. Perform muscle biopsy to
· Pedi: Children <10 yr (safety not established).
diagnose; shows necrotizing myopathy without significant
inflammation. Treat with immunosuppressive agents.
 Adverse effects/minimizing discomfort and Key patient teaching points:
harm: · Instruct patient to take medication as directed.
CNS: amnesia, confusion, dizziness, headache, Take missed doses as soon as remembered, if more
than 12 hrs since missed dose; omit and take next
insomnia, memory loss, weakness scheduled dose. Do not double up on missed doses.
EENT: rhinitis Advise patient to avoid drinking more than one
Resp: bronchitis quart of grapefruit juice per day during therapy.
CV: chest pain, peripheral edema Medication helps control but does not cure elevated
GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, serum cholesterol levels.
· Advise patient that this medication should be
heartburn, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, used in conjunction with diet restrictions (fat,
dyspepsia, ↑ liver enzymes, nausea, pancreatitis cholesterol, carbohydrates, alcohol), exercise, and
Endo: hyperglycemia cessation of smoking.
GU: erectile dysfunction · Instruct patient to notify health care
Derm: rashes, pruritus professional if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness,
or weakness occurs, especially if accompanied by
MS: RHABDOMYOLYSIS, arthralgia, arthritis, fever or malaise.
immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, myalgia, · Instruct patient to notify health care
myositis professional of all Rx or OTC medications,
Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult
INCLUDINGANGIONEUROTIC EDEMA health care professional before taking any new
medications.
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
· Advise patient to notify health care
Underline indicate most frequent. professional of medication regimen prior to
treatment or surgery.
· Instruct female patients to notify health care
professional promptly if pregnancy is planned or
suspected, or if breastfeeding.
· Emphasize the importance of follow-up
exams to determine effectiveness and to monitor for
side effects.