DRUG OF THE DAY
atorvastatin
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Before opening the card, recall one use, one safety check and one counseling point.
Reveal the drug learning card
Names and formulations
- Lipitor: oral tablet
Can be taken once daily at any time, with or without food; treatment intensity depends on dose and clinical goal.
Common use
Lowers LDL cholesterol and is used for primary or secondary cardiovascular risk reduction in patients who meet labeled indications.
Mechanism of action
Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis and increasing hepatic LDL-receptor activity.
Important adverse effects and monitoring
- Assess for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; severe myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are uncommon but serious.
- Check liver enzymes before initiation and later when clinically indicated; stop for serious hepatic injury.
- Monitor a lipid panel and adherence to evaluate response.
Patient counseling
- Report severe or persistent muscle symptoms, especially with fever, malaise, or dark urine.
- Most pregnant patients should discontinue therapy after discussing the pregnancy with the prescriber; breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Interaction to recognize
With: strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and certain antivirals
Why it matters: Can raise atorvastatin exposure and increase myopathy risk.
Practical response: Check the exact interacting drug in current labeling; temporary interruption, avoidance, or an atorvastatin dose limit may be required.
Check the original sources
- DailyMed — Lipitor (atorvastatin) prescribing information
Sections: 1 Indications and Usage; 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis; 5.3 Hepatic Dysfunction; 7 Drug Interactions; 8.1 Pregnancy; 12.1 Mechanism of Action; 17 Patient Counseling Information. Source checked 2026-09-13.
Selected learning points; verify current labeling for the complete prescribing information.