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Please do NOT make changes to this Sandbox. Sandboxes 30-60 are reserved for use by Biochemistry 410 & 412 at Messiah College taught by Dr. Hannah Tims during Fall 2012 and Spring 2013.
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Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin, commercially known as Lipitor is a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA Reductase) inhibitor. It is part of a class of medications known as statins that are cholesterol-lowering medications[1]. HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the committed step in cholesterol synthesis, so by inhibiting this step, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can be effectively lowered. By lowering LDL, the likelihood of stroke and heart attack can be decreased[2].

Considerations When Taking Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin should be taken only in conjuction with a complete cholesterol-lowering program which includes diet, exercise, and weight control[3].

Side Effects

There are numerous side effects that can occur from taking atorvastatin. The most serious side effect although the most rare is myopathy (muscular weakness) with increased levels of creatinine kinase and rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle). Other more common side effects include headache, weakness, insomnia, peripheral edema, urinary tract infections, and flu-like symptoms[4]. Atorvastatin has also been shown to elevate the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)[5].

Adverse Drug Interactions

Atorvastatin can interact with many other drugs including, digoxin (E.g. digitalis), erythromycin, fenofibrate (E.g. Tricor), niacin, certain antifungal medications (E.g. Diflucan), certain cancer medications and steroids, and HIV/AIDS medications[6].






HMG-CoA Reductase in complex with Lipitor

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References

  1. ↑ Phizer Inc. "Lipitor." Lipitor: Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. Phizer Inc., 2011. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. <http://www.lipitor.com/aboutLipitor.aspx>.
  2. ↑ NIH. "Atorvastatin." PubMed Health. National Institutes of Health, 01 July 2010. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000009/>.
  3. ↑ "Atorvastatin." Cerner Multum, Inc., 12 Aug. 2009. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. <http://www.drugs.com/atorvastatin.html>.
  4. ↑ "Lipitor (atorvastatin)." Medications and Drugs. HealthWise, 12 Aug. 2009. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-atorvastatin/article_em.htm>.
  5. ↑ Williams, D; Feely, J (2002). "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic drug interactions with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors". Clin Pharmacokinet 41 (5): 343–70.
  6. ↑ "Lipitor (atorvastatin)." Medications and Drugs. HealthWise, 12 Aug. 2009. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-atorvastatin/article_em.htm>.
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