DRUG STUDY
Patient's Initial: R.O.B
Age: 46Y
Gender: M
Date Admitted: March 25, 2014
Indication/ Contraindication
Generic Name: Indications:
Atorvastatin  Reduction of risk of
stroke and heart attack in type
Brand Name: 2 diabetes patients without
lipitor evidence of heart disease but
with other CV risk factors, and
Classification: revascularization procedures in
Dyslipidaemic Agent patients without evidence of
coronary heart disease (CHD)
Dosage: but with multiple risk factors
20mg other than diabetes (eg,
smoking, HTN, low HDL-C,
Frequency: family history of early CHD)
Once daily 2000H  Patients with CHD, to
reduce risks of MI,
Route: revascularization procedures,
G-tube hospitalization for CHF, and
angina
Date ordered:
March 19, 2014 Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity, active liver
disease or unexplained persistent
elevations of serum
transaminase, porphyria,
Medical Diagnosis: Cerebrovascular Accident
Category: 3
Room No.: MW#16
Student Nurse: Ledesma, Fatima Mae
Mechanism of Action
Atorvastatin competitively
inhibits HMG-CoA reductase,
the enzyme that catalyses the
conversion of HMG-CoA to
mevalonic acid. This results in
the induction of the LDL
receptors, leading to lowered
LDL-cholesterol concentration.
Absorption: Rapid from the GI
tract (oral).
Distribution: Protein-binding:
98%.
Metabolism: Extensively
hepatic; converted to active
inhibitors of HMG-CoA
reductase.
Excretion: Faeces (as
metabolites); 14 hr (elimination
half-life).
Side Effects/ Adverse Effect
Adverse Effect:
Headache, flatulence, diarrhoea,
nausea, vomiting, anorexia,
xerostomia, angioedema,
myalgia, rash/pruritus, alopecia,
allergy, infection, chest pain.  maintain its effects
Potentially
Fatal: Thrombocytopenia.
Rhabdomyolysis with acute
renal failure.
Nursing Considerations
 Stress that atorvastatin is an
adjunct to – not a substitute
for low-cholesterol diet
 Tell patient to take drug at the
same time each day to
 Instruct patient to take a
missed dose as soon as
possible. If it’s almost time
for his next dose, he should
skip the missed dose.
 Advise patient to notify
prescriber immediately if he
develops unexplained muscle
pain, tenderness, or weakness,
especially if accompanied by
fatigue or fever
pregnancy, lactation.