Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds" 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 Simvastatin (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 fre- quently during drug therapy • Monitor liver function tests • Instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)