Aztor
Generic Name
Atorvastatin
Manufacturer
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Country
India
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| aztor 20 mg tablet | ৳ 20.00 | ৳ 200.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Aztor 20 mg tablet contains Atorvastatin, which is used to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual starting dose is 10 or 20 mg once daily. Dosage range is 10 to 80 mg once daily. The 20 mg dose is commonly used for maintenance or moderate lipid lowering.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is necessary based on age alone.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Aztor 20 mg tablet should be taken orally once daily, with or without food. It is generally recommended to take it at the same time each day, preferably in the evening.
Mechanism of Action
Atorvastatin selectively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This leads to a reduction in cholesterol production in the liver, subsequently increasing the number of LDL receptors on the hepatocyte surface, enhancing LDL catabolism and reducing plasma LDL-C levels.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Significant cholesterol reduction occurs within 2 weeks, with maximal effects usually achieved by 4 weeks.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in bile following hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism. Less than 2% of a dose is recovered in urine.
Half life
Mean plasma elimination half-life of atorvastatin is approximately 14 hours. The half-life of inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is 20-30 hours due to active metabolites.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) within 1-2 hours. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 12%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) to active ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites and various beta-oxidation products.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any component of the medication.
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Colchicine
Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with co-administration of atorvastatin and colchicine.
Cyclosporine
Significantly increases atorvastatin exposure, leading to increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Niacin (lipid-lowering doses)
Increased risk of muscle adverse effects, including rhabdomyolysis.
Gemfibrozil and other Fibrates
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when co-administered with statins.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Macrolide antibiotics, Azole antifungals, Grapefruit juice)
Increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, leading to an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no specific treatment for atorvastatin overdose. In the event of an overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically, and supportive measures should be instituted as required. Liver function tests and CK levels should be monitored.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Aztor 20 mg tablet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. If pregnancy occurs, the medication should be discontinued immediately.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any component of the medication.
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Colchicine
Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with co-administration of atorvastatin and colchicine.
Cyclosporine
Significantly increases atorvastatin exposure, leading to increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Niacin (lipid-lowering doses)
Increased risk of muscle adverse effects, including rhabdomyolysis.
Gemfibrozil and other Fibrates
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when co-administered with statins.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Macrolide antibiotics, Azole antifungals, Grapefruit juice)
Increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, leading to an increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no specific treatment for atorvastatin overdose. In the event of an overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically, and supportive measures should be instituted as required. Liver function tests and CK levels should be monitored.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Aztor 20 mg tablet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. If pregnancy occurs, the medication should be discontinued immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific expiry date is printed on the pack.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies
Patent Status
Generic available (original patent expired)
Clinical Trials
Atorvastatin has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in lipid lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction across various patient populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) should be performed before the initiation of atorvastatin therapy and periodically thereafter (e.g., at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation or dose escalation, and then semi-annually).
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) should be monitored periodically to assess treatment response.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy.
- Regularly monitor LFTs and lipid profiles, especially during initiation and dose adjustments.
- Educate patients on symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis and advise them to report any muscle pain promptly.
- Review potential drug interactions, especially with CYP3A4 inhibitors and other lipid-lowering agents.
Patient Guidelines
- Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet as advised by your doctor.
- Take the tablet at the same time each day, preferably in the evening.
- Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise, to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while on this medication.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Aztor 20 mg tablet is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, some individuals may experience dizziness, which could impair these activities. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity (e.g., at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week).
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
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