Generic Atorvastatin and Brand Lipitor - a complete review

Origin and description of the drug:

Belonging to the group of statins, Lipitor has the generic name atorvastatin and is used in the treatment of high cholesterol levels. Like every other statin, atorvastatin works by the inhibition of the liver enzyme HMG CoA reductase that is the major cause for elevated cholesterol in the human body. It was first introduced in the year 1985 by Parke Davis Warner Lambert which is now known as Pfizer. At present the drug is still making sale under the name Lipvas.

Just as with every other statins, atorvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme HMG CoA reductase and is a highly synthetic compound. This specific enzyme is known to catalyze the reduction of 3- hydroxyl-3 methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate. This step under which the catalyzation takes place is the rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. The inhibition of the enzyme causes an increase in the expression of low density lipoprotein receptors on the hepatic cells which in turn increases the uptake of LDL by the hepatocytes and a decrease of the same in the blood stream. On the other hand the drug increases the levels of HDL cholesterol that is the good cholesterol.

Pharmacokinetics:

Atorvastatin undergoes a four step process in the analysis of the body’s reaction to the drug. The first of which is absorption. The drug is absorbed orally in the mouth and has the highest plasma concentration time of 1 to 2 hours. As a part of the second step the drug crosses the blood brain barrier and the placental barrier and is evenly distributed. The third step is the metabolism, the drug undergoes first pass metabolism in the intestines and is the main cause for the low systemic availability of the drug. The final step is excretion. The drug is excreted via the hepatic biliary system to ninety eight percent and in urine to about 2 percent.

Lipitor Pricing

We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the lowest price cost of Lipitor. The cost to you for our Lipitor is the lowest price and is most affordable.

Indications of the generic for Lipitor:

The primary uses of generic Lipitor lie in the treatment of dyslipidemia and in the prevention of cardio vascular diseases. Under dyslipidemia Lipitor is used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in familial, non familial and in pediatric conditions. Fredrickson type 4 disease, combined hyperlipidemia and Frederickson type three disease. On the other hand under cardio vascular diseases the drug is used in the prevention against coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, revascularization, hepatic insufficiencies and other myopathies.

Dosage and frequency distribution:

The dose of generic Lipitor prescribed depends on various factors like age, sex, previous medications and many more. However the basic available dose of atorvastatin is ten milligrams, twenty milligrams, forty milligrams and eighty milligrams. The normal dosage per day varies from 10 to 20 mg to 40 mg in serious hypercholestremia conditions over split doses based on the condition of the client and the hospital policy.

Contra-indications:

Not every drug can be used at any point of time in the client’s period of care; there are several conditions under which the use of Lipitor generic is contraindicated. Some of the specific contraindicated cases in the use of atorvastatin as active liver diseases like cholestasis, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatitis and jaundice, unexpected elevations of AST and ALT levels, pregnancy, breast feeding mothers, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, myoglobinuria, elevated CPK levels or in cases a severe condition of myopathy is detected.

Other drug and food interactions:

Interactions of all fibrates used in accessory therapies against hypercholesterolemia usually bring the individual to risks of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Along with CYP3A4 inhibitors the drugs serum concentration increases causing severe adverse reactions and the same occurs when combined with other inhibitors. Barbiturates on the other hand tend to decrease the plasma concentration of the drug and with oral contraceptives AUC levels are elevated. Along with an antacid there might be slight decrease in the drugs plasma concentration, thereby decreasing it efficacy. Grape juice and vitamin B and D lower the drugs concentration and making it less efficient for action or even over toxicity.

Lipitor reactions:

Every drug has positive effects and adverse effects, some of atorvastatins adverse effects are classified and listed below.

Major side effects:

• Myopathy

• Rhabdomyosis

• Head ache

Minor or less common side effects of Lipitor:

• Weakness

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Chest pain and peripheral pitting edema

• Rashes and itching

• Abdominal pain and other gastro intestinal symptoms

• Urinary tract infections

• Arthralgia, myalgia and arthritis

• Sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and a running nose

• Infections and other allergic reactions

• Memory loss

Special considerations before administration of Lipitor Generic or Brand Lipitor:

To make sure it is absolutely safe for you to take atorvastatin you need to talk to your doctor regarding the following conditions:

• The history of any previous hepatic diseases

• History of any kidney or renal diseases

• Muscle pain or weakness

• Elevated blood sugar levels

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Alcoholism

• Pregnancy and lactation

• Previous or present use of any drugs