Atorvastatin or Lipiget
Overview:
Atorvastatin is antihyperlipidemic agent. Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Atorvastatin is the only drug in its class specifically indicated for lowering both elevated LDL- cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolemia. It prevents coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of heart attack.
Indications:
Atorvastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Familial hypercholesterolemia, Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers and duodenal erosions.
Contraindications:
Atorvastatin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity, Pregnancy, Breast feeding, Actinic keratosis.
Side effects:
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Atorvastatin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Weakness, Headache, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Constipation, Insomnia, Abdominal pain, Skin rashes, Blurred vision, Pharyngitis, Dyspepsia, Malaise, Asthenia, Arthralgia, Elevation of liver enzymes, Myopathy, Backache, Increased intracranial pressure, Gl disturbance, Sinusitis.
Warnings:
Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, severe infection, heart disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery, low blood pressure, any allergy or any other medical problem. Atorvastatin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so patient should observe caution while driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
