The mean volume of distribution of atorvastatin is approximately 381 L. It is highly protein bound (≥98%), and studies have shown it is likely secreted in human breastmilk. In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor’s orders about any special diet. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
- It can be taken any time of the day, but try and take it at the same time each day.
- Atorvastatin is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects.
- Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of leflunomide than younger adults.
- Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure.
Time to Peak
Mean volume of distribution of LIPITOR is approximately 381 liters. Atorvastatin crosses the rat placenta and reaches a level in fetal liver equivalent to that of maternal plasma. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
- If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIPITOR.
- After randomization, patients were treated for 16 weeks with either LIPITOR 10 mg per day or a fixed dose of the comparative agent (Table 9).
- Females planning a pregnancy should discontinue the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor 1 to 2 months prior to attempting to conceive (AHA/ACC Grundy 2019).
- Administration of atorvastatin with food produces a 25% reduction in Cmax (rate of absorption) and a 9% reduction in AUC (extent of absorption), although food does not affect the plasma LDL-C-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help getting or using a measuring device.
Atorvastatin Tablets
Like other statins, atorvastatin also reduces blood levels of triglycerides and slightly increases levels of HDL-cholesterol. This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with atorvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Atorvastatin calcium is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including atorvastatin calcium. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices.
In hepatic insufficiency, plasma concentrations of atorvastatin are significantly affected by concurrent liver disease. People with Child-Pugh Stage A liver disease show a four-fold increase in both Cmax and AUC. People with Child Pugh stage B liver disease show a 16-fold increase in Cmax and an 11-fold increase in AUC.
In addition to statins, PCSK9 inhibitors like Alirocumab (Praluent) or Evolocumab (Repatha) may be prescribed. Genetic counseling and lifestyle changes are also recommended for managing this condition. The cost of Atorvastatin can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of generic Atorvastatin using a GoodRx coupon typically costs between $10 and $15.
Atorvastatin Oral Tablet (ATORVASTATIN – ORAL)
If you have high cholesterol plus diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking, statins may be especially helpful for you. Advise patients that ATORVALIQ may cause atorvastatin oral route description and brand names myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS. Advise patients that LIPITOR may cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
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Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health. Take it as directed on the label at the same time every day.
What Is Lipitor?
The absolute bioavailability of the medication is about 14%, but the systemic availability for HMG-CoA reductase activity is approximately 30%. Atorvastatin undergoes high intestinal clearance and first-pass metabolism, which is the main cause for the low systemic availability. Administration of atorvastatin with food produces a 25% reduction in Cmax (rate of absorption) and a 9% reduction in AUC (extent of absorption), although food does not affect the plasma LDL-C-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin. Evening dose administration is known to reduce the Cmax and AUC by 30% each. However, time of administration does not affect the plasma LDL-C-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any concerns or experience any other symptoms while taking atorvastatin calcium tablets, it is advisable to consult your doctor for medical advice. Other medications, such as Aspirin or Clopidogrel (Plavix), may help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and effective stress management is also important. People aged 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of atorvastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Call your doctor right away if you have dark-colored urine, fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscle pain or stiffness, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These could be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause kidney problems. Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Atorvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.