Atorva
Generic Name
Atorvastatin Calcium
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
atv 40 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication belonging to the statin class, used to reduce 'bad' cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and increase 'good' cholesterol (HDL-C) to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 10-20 mg once daily; maintenance dose typically 10-80 mg once daily. For 40 mg, it may be used as an initial dose in patients requiring a large reduction in LDL-C or as a maintenance dose.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment required.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment required.
How to Take
Administer orally, once daily, with or without food, at any time of day.
Mechanism of Action
Atorvastatin selectively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This reduces cholesterol production in the liver, leading to an upregulation of LDL receptors and increased clearance of LDL from the blood.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Lipid-lowering effects observed within 2 weeks, maximal at 4 weeks.
Excretion
Primarily eliminated via biliary excretion following hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism; less than 2% of a dose is recovered in urine.
Half life
Parent drug plasma elimination half-life is approximately 14 hours; active metabolites contribute to a half-life of 20-30 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed; peak plasma concentration within 1-2 hours; absolute bioavailability approximately 14%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A4 to active ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites and inactive beta-oxidation products.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Hypersensitivity to Atorvastatin or any component of the product
Drug Interactions
Niacin
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, particularly with lipid-lowering doses of niacin (>1 g/day).
Colchicine
Reports of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, when coadministered with statins, including atorvastatin. Use with caution.
Gemfibrozil
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; avoid co-administration if possible, or use with caution at lowest effective dose.
Cyclosporine
Concomitant use significantly increases atorvastatin plasma concentrations and risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis. Avoid high doses of atorvastatin.
Protease Inhibitors
May significantly increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations; specific dose limitations apply depending on the protease inhibitor (e.g., darunavir + ritonavir, lopinavir + ritonavir).
Itraconazole/Ketoconazole
Increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations; limit atorvastatin dose to 20 mg daily.
Clarithromycin/Erythromycin
Increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations; limit atorvastatin dose to 20 mg daily with clarithromycin, and caution with erythromycin.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no specific treatment for Atorvastatin overdose. In the event of an overdose, symptomatic treatment and supportive measures should be instituted as required. Hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the potential for fetal harm and excretion into breast milk. Women of childbearing potential should use adequate contraception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by FDA and DGDA
Patent Status
Patent expired, generics available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Atorvastatin has been extensively studied in numerous large-scale clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events in primary and secondary prevention, such as the ASCOT-LLA, TNT, and IDEAL studies.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT/AST) before initiation and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated.
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) to monitor efficacy.
Doctor Notes
- Monitor LFTs before and periodically during treatment.
- Educate patients on symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
- Consider dose adjustment in patients with severe renal impairment (though generally not needed).
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately.
- Continue following a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regimen.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Atorvastatin is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, patients should be aware of possible side effects like dizziness.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress effectively.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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