Atorvastatin

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Lipitor

Pharmacological Mechanism

Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase ([[cholesterol_synthesis]]) — the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. [[ldl_receptor_pcsk9_axis]] LDLR upregulation → 40–60% LDL reduction at high-intensity doses. Pleiotropic effects (plaque stabilisation, endothelial function, anti-inflammation) contribute to CV benefit beyond LDL alone. Long t½ → any-time-of-day dosing (vs [[simvastatin]] evening).

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 11.4h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 33.3mg (Range: 10 - 80 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• cardiovascular
• digestive
• immune-hematologic

Interactions

• CoQ10
• Colchicine
• Ezetimibe
• Fenofibrate