Atrocard Tab 10 Mg 10’s-Potential Overview

Brand Name: Atrocard
Generic Name: Atorvastatin
Active Ingredient(s): Atorvastatin

For the General Public:

Uses:
This medicine is commonly used to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), dyslipidemia, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It works by lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL).

Dosage:
Take 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily, with or without food. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects:
Some common side effects may include nausea, headache, muscle pain, or digestive issues. If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:

• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Liver damage (indicated by yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney damage)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, severe dizziness)

Important 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:

• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
  Consult your healthcare provider before combining atorvastatin with other medications.

Interactions with Food:
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of atorvastatin, leading to an increased risk of side effects.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
Approved by global regulatory bodies like the FDA. Manufactured by [Zydus Cadila].

Antidotes (If over Dosage or Misused by Patients):
There is no specific antidote for atorvastatin overdose. In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

For Pharmacists

Medicine Name: Atrocard 10 mg Tablet
Brand: Atrocard
Active Ingredient(s): Atorvastatin

Indications:
Indicated for the management of conditions like high cholesterol, mixed dyslipidemia, and to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related diseases.

Pharmacodynamics:

Mechanism of Action:
Atorvastatin is a statin that inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces cholesterol synthesis, lowering LDL and triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol.

Pharmacological Effects:

• Reduces total cholesterol and LDL levels
• Increases HDL levels
• Reduces triglycerides in the blood
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke)

Receptor Binding:
Atorvastatin primarily works by binding to HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in cholesterol biosynthesis.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption:
Atorvastatin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations occur approximately 1-2 hours post-dose.

Distribution:
It is highly protein-bound (about 98%) and has a volume of distribution (Vd) of 381 L.

Metabolism:
Metabolized in the liver by CYP3A4 enzymes. The active metabolites also contribute to its cholesterol-lowering effect. Half-life of atorvastatin is approximately 14 hours.

Elimination:
Atorvastatin and its metabolites are primarily excreted in feces (about 70%). A small fraction is eliminated via urine.

Half-Life:
The half-life of atorvastatin is approximately 14 hours.

Bioavailability:
Approximately 12% of the dose reaches systemic circulation.

Time to Peak Concentration:
The time to peak concentration is 1-2 hours.

Effect of Food:
Food can delay the absorption of atorvastatin but does not significantly affect its overall efficacy.

Dosage and Administration:

Adults:
The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily, with adjustments based on response. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg/day.

Pediatric:
Not typically prescribed for children under 10 years of age.

Special Populations:
Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for older adults based on their health status.
Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the dose in patients with liver disease.
Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal impairment, but caution is needed in severe cases.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin
• Active liver disease
• Pregnancy and lactation

Warnings and Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with liver disease, diabetes, or a history of muscle pain.
• Monitor liver enzymes and CK levels during treatment.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:

Potential interactions with:

• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil
• Warfarin
• Certain antifungals (e.g., itraconazole)

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can increase the risk of side effects by raising blood levels of atorvastatin.

Adverse Reactions:

Common:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle pain

Serious:

• Rhabdomyolysis
• Liver damage
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)

Therapeutic Effects:

• Lowers LDL and total cholesterol
• Reduces triglyceride levels
• Increases HDL cholesterol levels
• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Storage:

Store at 25°C (77°F), in a light-resistant, air-tight container.

Packaging:

Available in tablet form, with pack sizes ranging from 10 to 30 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

Pregnancy Category:
Category X – Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy.

Lactation Category:
Atorvastatin is excreted in breast milk and should not be used during breastfeeding.

Pediatric Category:
Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Geriatric Category:
Use with caution in elderly individuals, particularly those with liver or kidney impairments.

Conclusion:

Atrocard (Atorvastatin) is an effective treatment for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. It helps to manage conditions like hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis when used as prescribed. However, patients must follow the prescribed dosage and be aware of potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms arise.