#6: atorvastatin (Lipitor) | Treating Dyslipidemia and ASCVD

This episode of Drug Cards Daily is on the drug atorvastatin. The name brand is Lipitor. Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor that is known for treatment of Dyslipidemia and ASCVD. The tablets come in a variety of doses. Initial dosing for dyslipidemia/hypercholesterolemia begins at 10-20 mg once daily and is evaluated every 1-3 months after initiation and then every 3-12 months thereafter. This dosing distinction is categorized as either moderate-intensity (10-20 mg/day, reducing LDL-C by 30-49%) and high-intensity (40-80 mg/day, reducing LDL-C by 50% or more). ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) treatment follows the moderate-intensity/high-intensity dosing based on ASCVD 10-Year risk. This drug is metabolized hepatically with an onset of action between 3-5 days. Side effects include joint pain, stuffy nose, sore throat and insomnia. This drug is not to be used if the patient is or may be pregnant and should be stopped 1-2 months prior to trying to conceive.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com for episode show notes which consist of the drug summary, quiz, and link to the drug card for FREE! Please SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and RATE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your favorite place to listen to podcasts are. The main goal is to go over the Top 200 Drugs with the occasional drug of interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave some feedback I’d really appreciate hearing from you! Leave a voice message at anchor.fm/drugcardsdaily or find me on twitter @drugcardsdaily