Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor among others, is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels.
Facts
Drug ClassStatin (hypolipidemic agent) 1 Mechanism of ActionInhibits HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, increasing LDL receptor expression and decreasing blood LDL cholesterol levels. 1 Approved UsePrevents cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and treats abnormal lipid levels. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskDiarrhea, heartburn, nausea and muscle pain; rare but serious rhabdomyolysis and liver problems. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountC: Cardiovascular System 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Connections
Treats
Source Atorvastatin (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Atorvastatin (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels
Infobox, drug class
Hypolipidemic agent
Pharmacology section
inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
History section
1996 (approved for medical use in the United States)
Adverse effects section
rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle disorder), liver problems
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code CQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code C
Cardiovascular system
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atorvastatin, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atorvastatin, lead section
a first-line treatment in reducing cholesterol. It is taken by mouth.
4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO EML 23rd List (2023), section 12.7 fixed-dose combinations, Core listQuote, WHO EML 23rd List (2023), section 12.7 fixed-dose combinations, Core list
acetylsalicylic acid + atorvastatin + ramipril
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people taking atorvastatin drink grapefruit juice?
Grapefruit juice can raise atorvastatin blood levels, so the source advises asking a doctor or pharmacist first.
Grapefruit juice components are known inhibitors of intestinal CYP3A4, and small studies have shown that grapefruit juice increases blood levels of atorvastatin, which could increase the risk of adverse effects. The source advises that people taking atorvastatin should consult with their doctor or pharmacist before consuming grapefruit juice. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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