Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver [3]. The recommended dosage of Lipitor for patients with liver disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the extent of liver damage.
According to DrugPatentWatch [1], there are no dosage adjustments for Lipitor recommended for patients with liver disease. However, the prescribing information for Lipitor suggests that the drug should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment [3]. Patients with liver disease should be monitored closely for signs of liver damage, and the dosage of Lipitor may need to be adjusted based on the severity of liver impairment.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [2] states that in patients with liver disease, the dosage of Lipitor should be adjusted based on the severity of the condition. For patients with mild liver disease, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily. For patients with moderate to severe liver disease, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg every other day. The dosage may be increased gradually, up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily, depending on the patient's response to treatment and liver function tests.
Medscape [3] also recommends that patients with liver disease should start with a low dose of Lipitor, and the dosage should be adjusted based on the patient's response and liver function tests. The recommended starting dose for patients with mild to moderate liver disease is 10 mg once daily, and for patients with severe liver disease, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg every other day. The maximum recommended dose for patients with liver disease is 20 mg once daily.
In conclusion, the recommended dosage of Lipitor for patients with liver disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the extent of liver damage. It is important to monitor patients with liver disease closely for signs of liver damage, and the dosage of Lipitor may need to be adjusted based on the severity of liver impairment. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting or changing the dosage of any medication.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548236/
[3] https://reference.medscape.com/drug/lipitor-atorvaliq-atorvastatin-342446