Description
Atorvastatin is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with elevated total cholesterol (total-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and triglycerides (TG) and to increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia), combined (mixed) hyperlipidemia (Fredrickson Types IIa and IIb), elevated serum TG levels (Fredrickson Type IV), and for patients with dysbetalipoproteinemia (Fredrickson Type III) who do not respond adequately to diet.
General: Before instituting therapy with atorvastatin, an attempt should be made to control hypercholesterolemia with appropriate diet, exercise and weight reduction in obese patients, and to treat the underlying medical problems. The patient should continue on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with atorvastatin. The dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. Doses may be given any time of the day, with or without food. Starting and maintenance dosage should be individualized according to baseline LDL-C levels, the goal of therapy, and patient response. After initiation and/or upon titration of atorvastatin, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks, and dosage adjusted accordingly.
