Atorlip 10 contains atorvastatin calcium, a potent lipid-lowering agent belonging to the statin class. This medication is specifically formulated to reduce elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood, while moderately increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle modifications in patients with hypercholesterolemia, including those with familial hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, Atorlip 10 helps mitigate the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and related events in appropriate patient populations.

Features

• Active ingredient: Atorvastatin calcium 10 mg
• Pharmaceutical form: Film-coated tablets
• Mechanism: Competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase
• Bioavailability: Approximately 12%
• Protein binding: ≥98%
• Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4
• Elimination half-life: Approximately 14 hours
• Excretion: Primarily biliary, with less than 2% renal excretion

Benefits

• Significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels by 30-50% at the 10 mg dosage
• Lowers triglyceride levels and modestly increases HDL cholesterol
• Reduces risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization procedures
• Slows progression of coronary atherosclerosis
• Provides 24-hour cholesterol synthesis inhibition with once-daily dosing
• Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in multiple large-scale clinical trials

Common use

Atorlip 10 is primarily prescribed for the treatment of dyslipidemias, particularly in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) and mixed dyslipidemia. It is indicated for adults who require pharmacological intervention despite adequate dietary measures and lifestyle modifications. The medication is also used in patients with established cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal and nonfatal stroke, revascularization procedures, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure. Clinical evidence supports its use in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose is 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, with Atorlip 10 representing the lower strength option. Patients requiring large LDL cholesterol reductions (>45%) may be started on 40 mg once daily. The dosage should be individualized according to baseline LDL-C levels, the goal of therapy, and patient response. Maximum dose is 80 mg daily. Administration can occur at any time of day, with or without food, though consistency in timing is recommended. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on lipid levels measured at 2-4 week intervals. In patients taking concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors, dose reduction or temporary discontinuation may be required.

Precautions

Liver function tests should be performed before initiation and periodically thereafter. Use with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol or have a history of liver disease. Monitor for muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly during the initial months of therapy and following dose increases. Assess creatine kinase levels if myopathy is suspected. Blood glucose levels should be monitored as statins may increase HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels. Exercise caution in elderly patients, those with renal impairment, and patients with predisposing factors for myopathy. Patients should be advised to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately.

Contraindications

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases exceeding three times the upper limit of normal. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications due to potential fetal harm and excretion in breast milk. Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone, and cobicistat-containing products. Use in patients with acute, serious conditions suggestive of myopathy or predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis.

Possible side effects

Common adverse reactions (≥2% and greater than placebo) include nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, diarrhea, pain in extremity, and urinary tract infection. Musculoskeletal side effects may include myalgia (1-5%), arthralgia (3-6%), and muscle spasms (1-3%). Gastrointestinal effects include diarrhea (3-5%), nausea (2-4%), dyspepsia (2-4%), and constipation (1-3%). Other reported effects include headache (3-5%), increased liver enzymes (0.7-2.6%), and insomnia (1-3%). Rare but serious side effects include rhabdomyolysis with renal dysfunction, hepatic failure, and cognitive impairment. Allergic reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and anaphylaxis have been reported.

Drug interaction

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors significantly increase atorvastatin exposure and risk of myopathy—avoid concomitant use. Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, and other fibrates increase atorvastatin exposure and myopathy risk. Niacin (≥1 g/day) may increase risk of skeletal muscle effects. Oral contraceptives containing norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol increase their AUC. Digoxin concentrations may be increased—monitor levels. Warfarin: monitor INR initially and during dosage changes. Colchicine may increase myopathy risk. Antacids decrease atorvastatin absorption—separate administration by at least 2 hours. Rifampin and other CYP3A4 inducers may decrease atorvastatin concentrations.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistency in daily administration is important for maintaining stable lipid-lowering effects. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on resuming therapy.

Overdose

There is no specific antidote for atorvastatin overdose. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be instituted. Liver function should be monitored, and appropriate supportive treatment provided. The patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, including creatine kinase levels, renal function, and urine myoglobin. Due to extensive protein binding, hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance. Medical attention should be sought immediately for any suspected overdose situation.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in a dry place protected from light and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused medication that has expired or is no longer needed through medication take-back programs or according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient needs may vary, and this information should not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. The prescribing physician should be consulted for specific recommendations tailored to individual patient circumstances. Full prescribing information including boxed warnings should be reviewed before administration.

Reviews

Clinical studies involving over 10,000 patients have demonstrated Atorlip 10’s efficacy in significantly reducing LDL cholesterol levels. In the ASCOT-LLA trial, atorvastatin 10 mg reduced coronary events by 36% in hypertensive patients with additional risk factors. The CARDS trial showed 37% reduction in major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients. Real-world evidence supports these findings, with consistent LDL-C reduction of 35-39% at the 10 mg dose across diverse patient populations. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate good tolerability profile, with most adverse events being mild and transient. Long-term extension studies confirm maintained efficacy and safety over treatment periods exceeding 5 years.