Atorvastatin

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (STATINS)

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Atorvastatin

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Hypercholesterolaemia
• Mixed hyperlipidaemia
• High risk coronary heart disease (± hypercholesterolaemia)

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

10– 80mg daily

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• myalgia
• myopathy, rhabdomyolysis
• transient GI Sx
• increased transaminases (LFTs)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
• dizziness

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

• Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin can be taken anytime during the day (due to longer half life). Others has to be taken at night.
• Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase the amount of atorvastatin in your bloodstream and could increase the chances of side effects occurring.
• If experience dark urine (brown), muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, seek medical advice.
• Continue low fat diet + exercise.
• Consider life style changes: smoking, excess OH, physical inactivity.
• Can take CoAQ10 for muscle pain.

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• Cholesterol levels
• renal and hepatic function: Aminotransferase and creatine kinase (CK) at baseline (repeat during treatment)
• monitor for unexplained muscle pain and dark urine (signs of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)