Atorvastatin Nursing Considerations, Side Effects, and Mechanism of Action Pharmacology for Nurses

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Atorvastatin
Generic Name: atorvastatin
Trade Name: Lipitor
Indication: management of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Action: lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation
Therapeutic Class: lipid-lowering agent Pharmacologic Class HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor Similar Medications simvistatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Nursing Considerations:
 contraindicated in active liver disease
 may cause rhabdomyolysis
 monitor renal function
 monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and frequently during drug therapy
 monitor liver function tests
 instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)

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