Atorvastatin Calcium

Atorvastatin calcium is used as an adjunct to diet to reduce the elevated total-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and triglyceride (TG) levels, and to increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. The drug is also used for the treatment of patients with an elevated serum TG levels and for patients with primary dysbetaliproteinemia, who do not respond adequately to diet. Atorvastatin calcium is also indicated to reduce the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (e.g., LDL apheresis). Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the drug Atorvastatin calcium is presented in this chapter. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, toxicity, and elimination (ADMTE) properties of the drug are discussed in this chapter. The chapter also discusses toxicity, such as muscle-related toxicity, gastrointestinal side effects, liver-related toxicity, and other side effects. Myotoxic side effects, including myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, have been observed with the usage of Atorvastatin calcium. Painful myalgia with a significant creatine kinase release (>2000 IU/l) is also associated with the use of Atorvastatin. Gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain, are common with the consumption of the drug. Hepatic dysfunction due to Atorvastatin administration is characterized by a raised serum aspartate (AST) or alanine (ALT) level. Demyelinating neuropathies have been reported in some individuals.