Efficacy of alternate-day dosing versus daily dosing of atorvastatin.

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Jafari M, Ebrahimi R, Ahmadi-Kashani M, Balian H, Bashir M

Efficacy of alternate-day dosing versus daily dosing of atorvastatin.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Jun;8(2):123-6.

PubMed ID

12808485 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Atorvastatin is a synthetic inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. In placebo-controlled trials, it has been shown to achieve significant dose-dependent reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. This trial compared the efficacy of daily atorvastatin administration with that of alternate-day dosing. METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective, nonblinded, controlled clinical trial. Fifty-four patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 100 to 200 mg/dL were enrolled. Baseline fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), liver function tests (aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase), and creatine kinase were drawn. Patients were randomized to three atorvastatin dose groups. Group I received 10 mg of atorvastatin every day, Group II received 10 mg every other day, and Group III received 20 mg every other day. After 6 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin, fasting lipid profiles, liver function tests, and creatine kinase concentrations were redrawn. Compliance to treatment was assessed at each visit. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients enrolled, 46 completed the study. All three regimens significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to baseline. No statistically significant differences existed between the three groups in regards to total, or a percentage, decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at 6 weeks compared to baseline. All regimens were well tolerated and none of the patients had a significant elevation of liver enzymes or creatine kinase during the course of the study. CONCLUSION: Alternate-day dosing of atorvastatin is an efficacious and safe alternative to daily dosing.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Atorvastatin	3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Inhibitor	Details