atorvastatin(Lipitor)
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Pronunciation
/əˌtɔːrvəˈstætɪn/ Mechanism of action Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Reduced intracellular cholesterol upregulates hepatic LDL receptors, increasing LDL-C clearance from plasma. Also has pleiotropic effects: plaque stabilization, anti-inflammatory (lowers hs-CRP), improved endothelial function \\[1\\]. Standard dosing -/
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Say it aloud once — you will remember it forever.
At a glance
- Generic name
- atorvastatin
- Brand names
- Lipitor
- Therapeutic class
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
- Mechanism (summary)
- Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Reduced intracellular cholesterol upregulates hepatic LDL receptors, increasing LDL-C clearance from plasma. Also has pleiotropic effects: plaque stabilization, anti-inflammato...
Clinical pearls
- Can be taken any time of day, with or without food (unlike
- simvastatin, which is dosed at bedtime).
- Muscle aches are the most common reason people stop --- call your
- prescriber if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or
- weakness, especially with dark or \\"cola-colored\\" urine.
Related drugs in this class
Sources
See how atorvastatin appears in NAPLEX-style questions
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