ATORVASTATIN

Trade name: Lipitor

Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class known as statins, used for lowering cholesterol and thereby reducing cardiovascular disease.

It acts both by reducing the production of cholesterol and increasing its rate of removal from the body. Atorvastatin inhibits a rate-determining enzyme located in hepatic tissue used in cholesterol synthesis, which lowers the amount of cholesterol produced. This also has the effect of lowering the total amount of LDL cholesterol.

Indications

Atorvastatin is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia (high blood cholesterol).

Side effects

Common adverse drug reactions associated with atorvastatin therapy include: myalgia, mild transient gastrointestinal symptoms, elevated hepatic transaminase concentrations, headache, insomnia, and/or dizziness.