Indications of Lipitin 20

Lipitin (Atorvastatin) is indicated for the treatment of

• Primary hypercholesterolaemia
• Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
• Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
• Combined (mixed) hyperlipidaemia in patients who have not responded adequately to diet and other appropriate measures.

Pharmacology of Lipitin 20

Atorvastatin is a selective HMGCoA reductase inhibitor. This enzyme is the limiting enzyme responsible for converting HMGCoA to mevalonate, which is the precursor to sterols (including cholesterol). Atorvastatin reduces plasma levels of cholesterol and lipoproteins by inhibiting HMGCoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell surface to enhance absorption and catabolism of LDL.

Dosage & Administration

Primary hypercholesterolaemia and combined hyperlipidaemia, usually 10 mg once daily. Familial hypercholesterolaemia, initially 10 mg daily, increased at intervals of 4 weeks to 40 mg once daily; if necessary, further increased to max. 80 mg once daily.

Interaction of Lipitin 20

The risk of myopathy during treatment with other drugs of this class is increased with concurrent administration of cyclosporine, fibric acid derivatives, niacin, erythromycin, azole antifungals.

Antacid : when atorvastatin and antacid suspension were coadministered, plasma concentration of atorvastatin decreased approximately 35% however, LDL-C reduction was not altered.

Digoxin : When multiple doses of atorvastatin and digoxin were coadministered, steady state plasma digoxin concentrations increased by approximately 20%.

Erythromycin : In healthy individuals, plasma concentration of atorvastatin increased approximately 40% with coadministration of atorvastatin and erythromycin.

Oral Contraceptives : Coadministration of atorvastatin and an oral contraceptive increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by approximately 30% and 20%.

Contraindications

Active liver diseases or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects of Lipitin 20

Lipitin 20 is generally well tolerated. Adverse reactions have usually been mild and transient. The most frequent adverse events thought to be related to Atorvastatin were constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia and abdominal pain, headache, nausea, myalgia, diarrhoea, asthenia and insomnia.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are not recommended for use during pregnancy. An interval of one month should be allowed from stopping atorvastatin treatment to conception in the event of planning a pregnancy.

Use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors during breastfeeding is not recommended, because of the potential for serious adverse effects in nursing infants.

Precautions & Warnings

Hepatic effects: Liver function tests should be performed prior to initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients who drink heavily or have a history of liver disease. Atorvastatin therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK occurs or if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

Therapeutic Class

Other Anti-anginal & Anti-ischaemic drugs, Statins

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool & dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children

Pharmaceutical Name of Lipitin 20

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Generic of Lipitin 20

Atorvastatin Calcium