Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds" Generic Name
Atorvastatin
Trade NameLipitor
IndicationManagement of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
ActionLowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation
Therapeutic ClassLipid-lowering agent
Pharmacologic ClassHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Similar MedicationsSimvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Nursing Considerations• Contraindicated in active liver disease • May cause rhabdomyolysis • Monitor renal function • Monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and fre- quently during drug therapy • Monitor liver function tests • Instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)