Atorvastatin calcium is marketed under the trade name Lipitor and is doctor prescribed in 10, 20, 40 or 80 milligrams. Drug dosage is dependent on therapeutic response. In addition to atorvastatin calcium, it contains inactive ingredients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate and lactose. It is often prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
The Mechanism of Atorvastatin Calcium
Specifically, atorvastatin calcium is a synthetic lipid-reducing drug. It’s an inhibitor of the HMG-COA enzyme. It works by lowering lipoprotein levels and plasma cholesterol by lowering the action of the HMG-COA enzyme. It also increases the amount of LDL receptors to increase uptake and catabolism of LDL. All around, it reduces the number of LDL particles and production. It’s very effective in changing the quality of LDL particles and increasing LDL receptor activity.
Clinical and Pathological Studies of Atorvastatin Calcium
According to Med Safe, studies have demonstrated its effectiveness on lowering LDL cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. It is important to note that these conditions have been established with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In clinical studies, atorvastatin calcium reduced LDL in both healthy patients and those with hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia. It reduced LDL-C, triglycerides, VLDL-C and apolipoprotein A-1.
In other double-blind clinical trials with placebo, atorvastatin calcium was given in 10 to 80 milligram dosages daily over a time period of six weeks. A therapeutic response was seen in just two weeks. Maximum therapeutic response was seen at four weeks. Overall, participants had a total LDL-C reduction ranging from 41 to 61 percent, and triglycerides were reduced from 14 to 33 percent.
Facts about Atorvastatin Calcium
Along with a healthy diet, atorvastatin calcium can lower total cholesterol between 29 to 45 percent, LDL-C from 39 to 60 percent and triglycerides from 19 to 37 percent. It has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, chest pain and heart surgeries. Common risk factors for heart disease and stroke include high blood pressure, age, low HDL, family history of cardiovascular problems and smoking. Atorvastatin calcium helps reduce these risk factors.
It should not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers or anyone with liver problems. Common side effects include muscle pain, diarrhea and upset stomach. Blood test are taken before prescribing atorvastatin calcium tablets to ensure good liver function. Those with diabetes should advise their physicians of their condition before taking atorvastatin calcium.
