Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Lipitor) is a selective, competitive HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor belonging to the statin class of lipid-lowering drugs. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Dosage and Administration, Recommended Dosage of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Lipitor)

Indications and Baseline Dosage

Hypercholesterolemia: For adults, the usual oral dosage is 10 mg of atorvastatin once daily. The dosage may be appropriately adjusted based on age and symptoms, and can be increased to 20 mg once daily in severe cases.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia: For adults, the usual oral dosage is 10 mg of atorvastatin once daily. The dosage can be increased to 40 mg once daily in severe cases.

There is no strict restriction on the timing of administration, but it is recommended to take the medication at a fixed time (e.g., after dinner) to improve adherence.

Dosage Range and Upper Limit

Maximum Dosage:

Hypercholesterolemia: 20 mg per day.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia: 40 mg per day.

Dosage Adjustment of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Lipitor)

Situations Requiring Dosage Reduction

Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Dosage adjustment is required for moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B); the drug is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).

Concomitant Medication Contraindications: Dosage reduction is necessary when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, fluconazole).

Elderly Patients or Patients with Renal Impairment: If symptoms such as muscle pain or elevated creatine kinase (CK) occur, immediate evaluation and dosage adjustment should be performed.

Precautions for Administration

Effect of Diet: High-fat diets may delay drug absorption, but there is no significant impact on overall bioavailability.

Long-term Medication Monitoring: During treatment, regular monitoring of blood lipids, liver function, and creatine kinase (CK) is required. Discontinuation of the drug is necessary if there is no improvement.

Administration in Special Populations for Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Lipitor)

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Mild Impairment (Child-Pugh Class A): Close monitoring for adverse reactions is required.

Moderate Impairment (Child-Pugh Class B): Dosage should be reduced as appropriate.

Severe Impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): Absolutely contraindicated.

Elderly Patients

Age is not an independent factor for dosage adjustment. However, due to age-related decline in physiological function, elderly patients are more prone to side effects. It is recommended to start with a low dosage.

Pregnant Women, Lactating Women, and Children

Pregnant Women or Women of Childbearing Potential: Contraindicated (animal studies have shown fetal developmental abnormalities).

Lactating Women: Contraindicated (the drug can be excreted in breast milk).

Children: Efficacy data are insufficient; use is prohibited.