Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin (pronounced: a-tor-va-stat-in) is a medication used primarily to treat high cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. It is a member of the drug class known as statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.
Etymology
The term "Atorvastatin" is derived from a combination of parts of the words 'isoAVAs' and 'statin'. 'IsoAVAs' refers to the synthetic intermediates used in the production of the drug, while 'statin' is a common suffix for drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase.
Usage
Atorvastatin is used together with a healthy diet to lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins". It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Atorvastatin include headache, nausea, and muscle pain. In rare cases, Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atorvastatin
- Wikipedia's article - Atorvastatin
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