Medicine Information

Degut

Name: Degut
Brand: Degut
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mgLipid-lowering agentsATC: C10AA05

Generic Name

Atorvastatin

Manufacturer

Example Pharma Co. (hypothetical for Degut brand, original by Pfizer)

Country

Bangladesh (assuming local brand), USA (original)

Loading images...

Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
degut 10 mg tablet	৳ 2.00	৳ 30.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Degut 10 mg Tablet contains Atorvastatin, which belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and other fats (such as triglycerides) in the blood. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart disease in people with or without high cholesterol.

Uses & Indications

Primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) and mixed dyslipidemia.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at high risk (e.g., coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, history of stroke).

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose is usually 10 mg once daily. Dosage range is 10-80 mg once daily. Adjust dosage at intervals of 2-4 weeks according to lipid levels.

Elderly

No dosage adjustment required based on age alone.

Renal_impairment

No dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.

How to Take

Take orally once daily, with or without food, at any time of the day, but preferably at the same time each day.

Mechanism of Action

Atorvastatin selectively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This inhibition results in a compensatory increase in the number of LDL receptors on the hepatocyte membrane, leading to increased clearance of LDL from the blood.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Lipid-lowering effects typically observed within 2 weeks, maximal effects by 4 weeks.

Excretion

Primarily excreted in bile and/or urine following hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism. Less than 2% is excreted in the urine.

Half life

Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 14 hours (active metabolites contribute to 20-30 hours of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity).

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours.

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 formulation.
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
Pregnancy and lactation.

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Potentiation of anticoagulant effect, increased INR.

Oral contraceptives

Increased plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.

Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, niacin

Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors)

Increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, increased risk of adverse effects.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

No specific treatment for atorvastatin overdose. In case of overdose, symptoms should be treated symptomatically, and supportive measures instituted as required. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential for fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 Tablets30 Tablets50 Tablets

Shelf Life

24 to 36 months from manufacturing date, refer to packaging for exact date.

Availability

Available in pharmacies worldwide

Approval Status

Approved by FDA (USA) and DGDA (Bangladesh)

Patent Status

Generic versions available, original patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy in lipid lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction, including landmark trials like ASCOT-LLA, CARDS, and TNT.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (ALT, AST) before initiation and periodically thereafter (e.g., at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation or dose escalation, then annually).
Creatine kinase (CK) levels if muscle symptoms occur.

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise).
Monitor liver function tests and CK levels as per guidelines.
Educate patients on symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis and to report them immediately.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Continue with a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise program while taking this medication.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or dark urine, to your doctor immediately.

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 resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Atorvastatin generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances, do not drive or operate machinery until these symptoms subside.