Astat 10mg

Class: Antihyperlipidemic, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Action: Atorvastatin works by increasing the rate at which the body removes cholesterol from the blood and by inhibiting an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cholesterol production. This results in a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol), ULDL, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).

Indications:

• Hypercholesterolemia: Adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels.
• Type III Familial Hyperlipoproteinemia: For patients with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Fredrickson type III) who do not respond adequately to diet.
• Elevated Serum Triglycerides: As an adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with elevated triglyceride levels (Fredrickson type IV).
• Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: To reduce cholesterol levels in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, either alongside other lipid-lowering treatments or when those treatments are unavailable.

Contraindications:

• Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevation of serum transaminases.
• Pregnancy (Category X) and lactation.

Dosage & Administration:

• Adults: Oral dosage ranges from 10 to 80 mg per day, as prescribed by the doctor. The medication can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.

Drug Interactions:

• Azole antifungal agents, cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics, gemfibrozil, grapefruit juice, niacin, verapamil: May increase the risk of severe myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
• Antacids: May lower atorvastatin levels.
• Digoxin: Can cause elevated digoxin levels.
• Oral Contraceptives: Increases AUC for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol.

Adverse Reactions:

• CNS: Headache, dizziness, asthenia (weakness), insomnia, paresthesia (tingling sensation).
• Dermatologic: Rash.
• Gastrointestinal: Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, nausea.
• Hepatic: Liver function test abnormalities.
• Respiratory: Sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis.
• Other: Flu-like syndrome, leg and back pain, arthritis, chest pain, alopecia, infection, peripheral edema.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Not safe during pregnancy (Category X) or breastfeeding.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver impairment or those who consume large amounts of alcohol.
• Muscle Concerns: May cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), especially in individuals with muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. CPK (creatine phosphokinase) levels should be monitored.

Patient Care Considerations:

• Administration & Storage: Take atorvastatin at the same time each day, with or without food. Store at room temperature.
• Monitoring: Regular blood tests should be performed to monitor cholesterol levels and liver function. Muscle tenderness or weakness should be evaluated by checking CPK levels.
• Diet & Lifestyle: Follow a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet, and avoid alcohol. Consult a nutritionist if necessary.
• Patient Education: Advise patients not to take the medication during pregnancy, use reliable contraception, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Emphasize adherence to the prescribed diet and routine follow-up visits for liver function and cholesterol testing.