Atorva 10 mg Tablet 20’s-Potential Overview

Brand Name: Atorva

Generic Name: Atorvastatin

Active Ingredient(s): Atorvastatin

For the General Public:

Uses:
Atorva 10 mg tablets are prescribed to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, helping reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dosage:
The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg taken once daily, with or without food. Dosage adjustments may be made based on individual cholesterol levels and response to treatment.

Possible Side Effects:
Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, weakness, and digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. Serious side effects, though less common, may include liver damage and muscle breakdown.

Common Side Effects:

• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
• Nausea
• Pain in extremities
• Urinary tract infection
• Abnormal liver function tests

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:

• Liver damage
• Muscle breakdown

Important Information:

Dosage Instruction:
Take one tablet daily, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Usage Instruction:
Take the tablet with or without food, at the same time each day to help remember.

General Information:
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to atorvastatin or have a history of liver disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use. Keep out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Drug Interactions:

Interactions with Other Medications:
Concomitant use with certain medications, such as specific antiviral drugs, azole antifungals, or macrolide antibiotics, may require dosage adjustments.

Interactions with Food:
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with atorvastatin, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. It is advisable to avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking this medication.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
Atorva 10 mg tablets are approved by relevant health authorities and are manufactured by Pharmatec.

Antidotes (If Overdose or Misused by Patients):
In case of overdose, contact a healthcare professional or poison control center immediately. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

For Pharmacists

Medicine Name: Atorva 10 mg Tablet 20’s

Brand: Atorva

Active Ingredient(s): Atorvastatin

Indications:
Indicated for the management of hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacodynamics:

Mechanism of Action:
Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to decreased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Pharmacological Effects:

• Reduction in LDL cholesterol
• Decrease in triglyceride levels
• Increase in HDL cholesterol

Receptor Binding:
Atorvastatin binds to HMG-CoA reductase, inhibiting its activity and reducing cholesterol synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption:
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentration occurring within 1 to 2 hours.

Distribution:
Extensively bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.

Metabolism:
Metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4 to active metabolites.

Elimination:
Excreted primarily in feces, with a minor amount in urine.

Half-Life:
Approximately 14 hours for atorvastatin; active metabolites have a half-life of 20 to 30 hours.

Bioavailability:
Approximately 12%, with a large first-pass effect.

Time to Peak Concentration:
1 to 2 hours.

Effect of Food:
Food does not significantly affect the absorption of atorvastatin.

Dosage and Administration:

Adults:
Starting dose of 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, with adjustments based on response and target lipid levels.

Pediatric:
For children aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, starting dose is 10 mg once daily.

Special Populations:
Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any component of the formulation.

Warnings and Precautions:
Use with caution in patients with a history of liver disease, heavy alcohol consumption, or muscle disorders.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Antifungals: Itraconazole may increase atorvastatin levels; monitor for adverse effects.
• Antibiotics: Certain macrolides, like clarithromycin, may increase atorvastatin blood levels; adjust dosage accordingly.

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:
The presence of grapefruit can increase atorvastatin levels, raising the risk of adverse effects. Advise patients to avoid grapefruit while on atorvastatin.

Adverse Reactions:

Common:

• Muscle pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Serious:

• Severe liver damage
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure

Therapeutic Effects:
Atorvastatin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol, contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Storage:
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container.

Packaging:
Available in tablet form, in pack sizes such as 10 mg, with 20 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

Pregnancy Category:
Category X (Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus).

Lactation Category:
Contraindicated while breastfeeding as atorvastatin can pass into breast milk.

Pediatric Category:
Use with caution in children aged 10 years and older with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Geriatric Category:
No significant dosage adjustments are needed, but caution is advised due to potential increased sensitivity in the elderly.

Adult Category:
Effective for adults with hypercholesterolemia or those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Child Category:
Safety and efficacy for children under 10 years of age have not been established.

Other Considerations:
Patients should avoid alcohol while taking atorvastatin to reduce the risk of liver damage.

Conclusion:
Atorva 10 mg is an effective treatment for hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. When used according to prescribed instructions, it can improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of heart-related events. However, it is crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully, monitor for side effects, and consult healthcare providers for any concerns. Pharmacists should educate patients on the risks of drug interactions, particularly with grapefruit, and ensure proper administration for optimal outcomes.