The efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in treatment of hyperlipidemia

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemia, especially in hypercholesterolemia and combined dyslipidemia. Methods Two hundred and eleven cases with hypercholesterolemia and combined dyslipidemia were randomizedly divided into 2 groups, of which atorvastatin 10 mg/d for 8 weeks in 110 cases (hypercholesterolemia in 58 cases, combined dyslipidemia in 52 cases) and simvastatin (Zocor manufactured by MSD) 10 mg/d for 8 weeks in 101 cases (hypercholesterolemia in 48 cases, combined dyslipidemia in 53 cases). In both groups, 20 mg/d dose was given 4 weeks later if TC reduction was less than 10%. Results After 8 weeks, TC, LDL C and (TC HDL C)/ HDL C in atorvastatin group were significantly decreased: TC from (6.59±0.66) mmol/L to (4.62±1.45) mmol/L (29.9% reduction), LDL C from (4.02±0.77) mmol/L to (2.44±0.64) mmol/L (39.3% reduction), (TC HDL C)/HDL C from 3.93±1.22 to 2.37±1.54 (39.7%reduction) (all P 0.01), and the efficacy was superior to simvastatin ( P 0.05). The HDL C elevation was not statistically significant in both groups ( P 0.05). In combined dyslipidemia atorvastatin significantly decreased TG level from (3.17±0.97) mmol/l to (2.21±1.03) mmol/L ( P 0.05), and the efficacy was also superior to simvastatin ( P 0.05). Conclusion (1) Atorvastatin is superior to simvastatin in reduction of LDL C, TG and (TC HDL C)/HDL C and is similar to simvastatin in reduction of TC and elevation of HDL C. (2)The adverse reactions of atorvastatin are mild and relatively rare. (3) The recommended dose is 10 mg/d, and the dose should be increased to 20 mg/d in minority of cases with markedly increased TC and LDL C. (4) Atorvastatin can be used in hypercholesterolemia and combined dyslipidemia.