Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent belonging to the statin class that inhibits cholesterol synthesis and reduces LDL levels. It is used for the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders and for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. As atorvastatin is metabolized via CYP3A4, numerous drug interactions are possible. Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle and joint pain.
Atorvastatin (ATC C10AA05) has lipid-lowering properties. It leads to a reduction in LDL, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and increases HDL. These effects are based, among other mechanisms, on the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme catalyzes an early step in cholesterol biosynthesis by converting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonic acid (mevalonate). Atorvastatin also has numerous pleiotropic effects that are partially independent of lipid metabolism.
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