Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate 20 mg Tablets

Adult dosage

For the treatment of hyperlipidemia, the recommended initial dose is 10 mg once daily; for patients requiring a greater reduction in LDL cholesterol, the starting dose can be increased to 20 mg or 40 mg once daily. The dosage can range from 10 to 80 mg once daily, individualized based on treatment goals and patient response. Lipid levels should be reviewed and dosage adjusted within 2 to 4 weeks after starting treatment. The goal of treatment is to lower LDL cholesterol; therefore, it is recommended to use LDL cholesterol levels to evaluate treatment initiation and response. However, if LDL cholesterol levels cannot be obtained, total cholesterol levels may be used to monitor the treatment response. In homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients, the dose of this drug is 10 to 80 mg once daily, possibly combined with other lipid-lowering therapies (e.g., LDL apheresis) or given when such therapies are not feasible.

Children's dosage

The recommended initial dose for pediatric patients (ages 10-17) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is 10 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 20 mg per day. Dosage should be adjusted at intervals of 4 weeks or more based on therapeutic goals.

This medication may cause muscle-related symptoms; therefore, if muscle pain, weakness, or cramps occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor. This drug may affect liver function, so it should not be used in patients with liver disease or significantly elevated liver function test results. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take this drug, and must use appropriate contraceptive methods while on the medication. Breastfeeding women should also avoid taking this drug and must stop breastfeeding. Interactions may occur when taken with certain medications; thus, if other medications are being taken, it is essential to inform a doctor or pharmacist. Elderly patients or those with diminished kidney function are at higher risk of muscle-related adverse reactions, thus caution is advised when using this medication. During treatment, regular liver function and muscle-related tests should be conducted, and if any adverse symptoms occur, inform a doctor immediately. Children, especially those under 10 years, should not take this drug, and those over 10 should use it cautiously according to a doctor's advice. This drug contains lactose; therefore, patients with lactose intolerance or related genetic disorders should not take it. In case of overdose, as there is no specific antidote, treatment should be based on symptoms while closely monitoring liver function and muscle status. This medication should be kept out of reach of children and stored securely in its original container.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), angioedema, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory issues accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizures

Mild side effects

• Fatigue
• malaise
• chest pain
• peripheral edema
• tiredness
• fever
• nasopharyngitis
• hyperglycemia
• hypoglycemia
• weight gain

This drug should be stored in a sealed container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, and it is best kept at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way will help maintain its effectiveness and safety.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle