Statins Flashcards
1
Q
What are the brand and generic names of statins?
A
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Pravastain
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
2
Q
What is the method of action of statins?
A
- Inhibits HMG CoA reductase
- = Decrease cholesterol production in the liver
- = ↑ clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood
- Indirectly ↓ triglycerides
- Indirectly ↑ HDL cholesterol
3
Q
What are the indications of statins?
A
- Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
- First line treatment for hyperlipidaemia – inc. primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidaemia, familial hypercholesterolemia
4
Q
What are the contraindications of statins?
A
- Hepatic impairment
- Renal impairment – dose reduction
- Pregancy/breastfeeding
5
Q
What are the side effects of statins?
A
- Headache
- GI upset
- Muscle aches/myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (rare)
- ↑ in liver enzymes (can lead to drug induced hepatitis but this is rare)
6
Q
What are the interactions with statins?
A
- Cytochrome P450 inhibitors e.g. amiodarone, diltiazem, itraconazole, macrolids, protease inhibitors - ↑ plasma levels
- Amlodipine
- Clarithromycin/erythromycin – stop during duration of use as ↑ plasma levels
7
Q
What organ eliminates statins?
A
Kidney
8
Q
What patient information should be given to those taking statins?
A
- Best taken in the evening as greatest effect when dietary intake is at its lowest
- Keep alcohol intake to a minimum
- Avoid grapefruit juice – inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (Simvastatin and atorvastatin only)
