Atrocard Tab 20 Mg 10s-Potential Overview

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

For the General Public:

Uses:
Atrocard is commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It works by lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL).

Dosage:
Take 1 tablet once a day 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 headache, indigestion, cold symptoms, joint pain, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and urinary tract infections. If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Cold symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, sneezing)
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Muscle spasms
• Urinary tract infections

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:

• Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Liver problems
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat)
• Difficulty breathing

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:
Atorvastatin may interact with certain drugs such as cyclosporine, certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other cholesterol-lowering medications. Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

Interactions with Food:
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Atorvastatin as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
Atrocard is approved by health regulatory agencies for use in managing cholesterol. Manufactured by Ikon Remedies Pvt Ltd.

Antidotes (If Overdose or Misused):
In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle pain, dark urine, or unusual tiredness. No specific antidote is available; treatment is symptomatic.

For Pharmacists

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

Indications:
Indicated for the management of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and angina.

Pharmacodynamics:
Mechanism of Action:
Atorvastatin acts as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. This leads to a decrease in LDL and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Pharmacological Effects:

• Lowers LDL cholesterol
• Lowers total cholesterol
• Reduces triglycerides
• Increases HDL cholesterol

Receptor Binding:
Atorvastatin binds to HMG-CoA reductase, inhibiting its activity, which is a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration with peak plasma concentration occurring within 1 to 2 hours.
• Distribution: Highly protein-bound (approximately 98%).
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4.
• Elimination: Primarily excreted in the feces, with a small amount excreted in urine.
• Half-Life: Approximately 14 hours.
• Bioavailability: Around 12% when taken orally.
• Time to Peak Concentration: 1 to 2 hours.

Effect of Food:
Food does not significantly affect the absorption of atorvastatin, although it may delay the time to peak concentration.

Dosage and Administration:

• Adults: 10 to 80 mg once daily, with or without food.
• Pediatric: For children aged 10 years and above with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily.
• Special Populations: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with hepatic or renal impairments.

Contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to Atorvastatin or excipients.
• Contraindicated in patients with a history of liver disease.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
• Monitor for muscle pain, liver function, and renal function during treatment.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Cyclosporine: May increase atorvastatin levels, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Clarithromycin: Can amplify the effect of atorvastatin, possibly leading to increased side effects.
• Itraconazole: Can increase the levels and hence, side effects of atorvastatin.
• Gemfibrozil: Can raise the risk of muscle weakness when taken with atorvastatin.
• Oral contraceptives: Atorvastatin can increase the levels of hormones in birth control pills, potentially leading to side effects.

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Grapefruit Juice: Consuming grapefruit or its juice while on this medication might increase the level of atorvastatin in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.

Adverse Reactions:

• Common: Headache, indigestion, cold symptoms, joint pain, diarrhea, muscle spasms, urinary tract infections.
• Serious: Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), liver problems, severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing.

Therapeutic Effects:
Atorvastatin works to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. It also helps to reduce triglyceride levels, which in turn lowers the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and angina.

Storage:
Store at room temperature (20-25°C) in a tight, light-resistant container.

Packaging:
Available in tablet forms, typically in 10-tablet or 30-tablet packs.

Clinical Considerations:

Pregnancy Category:
Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.

Lactation Category:
It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as atorvastatin may pass into breast milk.

Pediatric Category:
Atorvastatin is generally safe for children aged 10 years and above with hypercholesterolemia but should be prescribed with caution.

Geriatric Category:
No special dosage adjustments are needed, but elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects.

Adult Category:
Adults should take atorvastatin according to prescribed dosages, with careful monitoring for side effects.

Child Category:
Atorvastatin can be prescribed to children with familial hypercholesterolemia; however, careful monitoring is needed.

Other Consideration:
Patients with liver disease or those taking medications that interact with atorvastatin should use caution.

Conclusion:

Atrocard (Atorvastatin) is an effective treatment for managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. When used as prescribed, it can help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. However, it is essential to follow proper dosage guidelines, stay vigilant for potential side effects, and consult a healthcare professional for any concerns. Proper storage and adherence to prescribed usage are crucial for maintaining the medication’s effectiveness and safety.