Prototype Drug Unit 6- Atorvastatin

Question 1

Therapeutic classification

Answer 1

Anihyperlipidemic

Question 2

Pharmacologic classification

Answer 2

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, statin

Question 3

Therapeutic effects and uses

Answer 3

Used to treat hypercholesterolemia and adverse cardiovascular events. Reduces risk of MI and stroke.

Question 4

Mechanism of action

Answer 4

Inhibits HMG-CoA redactase (the primary regulatory enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis) LDL and VLDL levels are reduced.

Question 5

Adverse effects

Answer 5

Headache, dyspepsia, abdominal cramping, myalgia, back pain, rash, pruritus

Question 6

Contraindications

Answer 6

Monitor hepatic impairment carefully, don’t give to pregnant people.

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

May decrease digoxin levels by 20% as well as increase levels of oral contraceptives. Erythromycin increases levels of atorvastatin. Don’t take with macrolides, cyclosporine, and azole antifungals because they can cause rhavdomyolysis. Fibiric acid drugs can cause myopathy.

Question 8

Herbal food interactions

Answer 8

Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of statins. Rice yeast should not be taken with statin because it increases their toxicity.

Question 9

Pregnancy category

Answer 9

X