DRUG STUDY

Patient's Initial: R.O.B Medical Diagnosis: Cerebrovascular Accident

Age: 46Y Category: 3
Gender: M Room No.: MW#16
Date Admitted: March 25, 2014 Student Nurse: Ledesma, Fatima Mae


Indication/ Contraindication

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects/ Adverse Effect

Nursing Considerations

Generic Name:
Atorvastatin

Brand Name:
lipitor

Classification:
Dyslipidaemic Agent

Dosage:
20mg

Frequency:
Once daily 2000H

Route:
G-tube

Date ordered:
March 19, 2014

Indications:
Reduction of risk of stroke and
heart attack in type 2 diabetes
patients without evidence of
heart disease but with other CV
risk factors, and
revascularization procedures in
patients without evidence of
coronary heart disease (CHD)
but with multiple risk factors
other than diabetes (eg,
smoking, HTN, low HDL-C,
family history of early CHD)
Patients with CHD, to reduce
risks of MI, revascularization
procedures, hospitalization for
CHF, and angina

Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity, active liver
disease or unexplained persistent
elevations of serum
transaminase, porphyria,
pregnancy, lactation.

Atorvastatin competitively
inhibits HMG-CoA reductase,
the enzyme that catalyses the
conversion of HMG-CoA to
mevalonic acid. This results in
the induction of the LDL
receptors, leading to lowered
LDL-cholesterol concentration.
Absorption: Rapid from the GI
tract (oral).
Distribution: Protein-binding:
98%.
Metabolism: Extensively
hepatic; converted to active
inhibitors of HMG-CoA
reductase.
Excretion: Faeces (as
metabolites); 14 hr (elimination
half-life).

Adverse Effect:
Headache, flatulence, diarrhoea,
nausea, vomiting, anorexia,
xerostomia, angioedema,
myalgia, rash/pruritus, alopecia,
allergy, infection, chest pain.

Potentially
Fatal: Thrombocytopenia.
Rhabdomyolysis with acute
renal failure.

Stress that atorvastatin is an
adjunct to not a substitute
for low-cholesterol diet
Tell patient to take drug at the
same time each day to
maintain its effects
Instruct patient to take a
missed dose as soon as
possible. If its almost time
for his next dose, he should
skip the missed dose.
Advise patient to notify
prescriber immediately if he
develops unexplained muscle
pain, tenderness, or weakness,
especially if accompanied by
fatigue or fever