Atorvastatin + Ezetimibe
Generic Details
Generic Name
Atorvastatin-Ezetimibe
Other Names
- Ator-Ez
- Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe Combination
Drug Class
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Chemical Formula
Molecular Weight
Mechanism of Action
- Atorvastatin: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor reducing cholesterol synthesis
- Ezetimibe: Blocks absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine
Indications
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Mixed dyslipidemia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- Atorvastatin 10-80 mg with ezetimibe 10 mg once daily
Pediatric Dosage
Geriatric Dosage
Side Effects
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Liver enzyme abnormalities
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or ezetimibe
- Active liver disease
Pregnancy Category
- Category X - Not recommended during pregnancy
Lactation Safety
- Lactation not recommended as it is unknown if the drug is excreted in human milk
Drug Interactions
- Simvastatin
- Cyclosporine
- Warfarin
Overdose Symptoms
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Rhabdomyolysis
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic treatment and monitoring
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Atorvastatin: Enters breast milk, Ezetimibe: Unknown if distributed in human milk
- Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Atorvastatin: Excreted in bile and urine, Ezetimibe: Excreted in feces (78%) and urine (11%)
Precautions
- Monitor liver function tests periodically
- Report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness
Warnings
- Risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with atorvastatin
- Liver enzyme abnormalities