Atorvastatin

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Atorvastatin, a class II statin.

Atorvastatin, commonly called Lipitor, is a class II statin used to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), prevent heart attacks and strokes, and to lessen the formation of artial plaque. It is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that decreases the synthesis of mevalonate, a key chemical precursor of cholesterol. Although the structure is based on an indole ring, as are the other class II statins fluvastatin and rosuvastatin, its longer half-life and specificity for the liver makes atorvastatin a better drug for lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. The metabolites of atorvastatin, ortho- and parahydroxylated derivatives and various beta-oxidation products, are equivalent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The drug should be taken with a low fat meal and alcohol and grapefruit juice should be avoided. Atorvastatin can be toxic, leading to liver problems, rhabdomyolysis and eye hemorrhages.

Its official IUPAC chemical name is (3R,5R)-7-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid and it has chemical formula C₃₃H₃₅FN₂O₅.

brand names

• Cardyl
• Lipitor
• Sotis
• Torvast
• Tozalip
• Xavator
• Sortis
• Torvacard
• Totalip
• Tulip
• Xarator
• Atorpic
• Liprimar