title: Atorvastatin calcium: an addition to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
abstract: Atorvastatin calcium is an HMG-coenzyme A (CoA) reductase inhibitor that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on December 17, 1996. Like other such agents, it inhibits the action of HMG-CoA reductase and thereby decreases endogenous cholesterol synthesis, leading to a decrease in circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition to its effect on lipoprotein profile, atorvastatin reduces triglycerides to a greater extent than other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These actions occur in a dose-dependent fashion. The adverse effect profile is similar to that of other agents in this class. Indications for atorvastatin include primary hypercholesterolemia as well as other lipid disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy-Clinical Services, Cook County Hospital, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, 60612-9985, USA.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Seeger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin