NURSING PHARMACOLOGY SHEET
Name of Patient: H. ALTARES
Age & Sex: 73 yrs old/ Female
Principal Diagnosis: HPN Urgency, Chronic CVD Infarct
Allergy: None
C/c: Dyspnea and Decrease I & O
Drug Name
Indication/ Contraindication
Generic Name: Indications:
Atorvastatin Reduction of risk of
stroke and heart attack in type
Brand Name: 2 diabetes patients without
lipitor evidence of heart disease but
with other CV risk factors, and
Classification: revascularization procedures in
Dyslipidaemic Agent patients without evidence of
coronary heart disease (CHD)
Dosage: but with multiple risk factors
20mg other than diabetes (eg,
smoking, HTN, low HDL-C,
Frequency: family history of early CHD)
Once daily 2000H Patients with CHD, to
reduce risks of MI,
Route: revascularization procedures,
G-tube hospitalization for CHF, and
angina
Date ordered:
March 19, 2014 Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity, active liver
disease or unexplained persistent
elevations of serum
transaminase, porphyria,
Mechanism of Action
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).
Side Effects/ Adverse Effect
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.
Nursing Considerations
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
pregnancy, lactation.