Acute hepatic injury with atorvastatin: an unusual occurrence

Indian J Pharmacol. 2014 May-Jun;46(3):343-4. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.132197.

Abstract

Atorvastatin, a commonly used and well-tolerated hypolipidemic drug, belongs to the class of statins or hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Use of atorvastatin may be associated with minor asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferases, but clinically significant hepatotoxicity is usually infrequent. Here we present a case of self-limiting clinically apparent acute hepatic injury attributable to atorvastatin occurring at recommended daily dose of 20 mg once a day. This case was postulated to be an unusual idiosyncratic reaction of the drug.

Keywords: Acute hepatotoxicity; aminotransferase enzymes; atorvastatin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atorvastatin
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Heptanoic Acids / adverse effects*
  • Heptanoic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects*
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrroles
  • Atorvastatin