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Atorvastatin Tablet Image: Insights from Recent Research
Development of Lyophilized Dry Emulsion Tablets for Atorvastatin
Recent advancements in pharmaceutical formulations have led to the development of lyophilized dry emulsion tablets (LDET) for atorvastatin calcium (ATV). These tablets are designed to enhance the drug's in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo performance, addressing the issue of poor bioavailability. The preparation involves freeze-drying oil-in-water emulsions of ATV, using a matrix former solution (alginate or gelatin), a sugar alcohol (mannitol), and a collapse protectant (glycine)1. The resulting tablets exhibit a porous, non-collapsible structure with complete loss of ATV crystallinity, as confirmed by SEM images. This formulation significantly improves the dissolution rate of ATV compared to the plain drug, making it a promising dosage form for hyperlipidemia treatment1.
Identification and Quantitative Determination of Atorvastatin Polymorphs
Atorvastatin calcium (ATC) exists in multiple polymorphic forms, which can complicate its identification and quantification in tablet formulations. Techniques such as FT-Raman spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) have been employed to address this challenge. Among these, Raman spectroscopy has shown a lower detection limit and higher accuracy, with a calibration model yielding an error of just 1.25% when applied to commercial ATC tablets2. This method is particularly useful for distinguishing between different polymorphs and ensuring the quality of atorvastatin tablets.
Effects of Atorvastatin on Carotid Plaque Inflammation
The ATHEROMA study investigated the impact of different doses of atorvastatin on carotid plaque inflammation using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)-enhanced MRI. Patients with significant carotid stenosis were treated with either 10 mg or 80 mg of atorvastatin daily. The study found that the higher dose (80 mg) significantly reduced USPIO-defined inflammation within 12 weeks, while the lower dose did not show a similar effect. This reduction in inflammation was accompanied by a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, highlighting the anti-inflammatory benefits of high-dose atorvastatin therapy3.
Combination Therapy: Amlodipine and Atorvastatin
Amlodipine/atorvastatin (Caduet®) is a fixed-dose combination tablet that combines the benefits of a calcium channel antagonist and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this combination effectively reduces both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The single-tablet formulation improves patient adherence compared to coadministration of separate tablets, making it a convenient option for managing hypertension and dyslipidemia. Additionally, this combination has been shown to prevent cardiovascular events in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease4.
Quality Concerns of Atorvastatin Tablets Available Online
A preliminary investigation into the quality of atorvastatin calcium tablets purchased from Japanese-language websites revealed significant concerns. Using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray computed tomography (CT), researchers identified substandard medicines with slower drug release profiles. One product, in particular, showed massive agglomerations that hindered tablet disintegration. This study underscores the risks associated with purchasing prescription drugs online, where quality assurance is often lacking5.
Conclusion
The research on atorvastatin tablets highlights significant advancements in formulation techniques, quality control, and therapeutic efficacy. Lyophilized dry emulsion tablets offer improved bioavailability, while advanced spectroscopic methods ensure accurate identification of polymorphs. High-dose atorvastatin effectively reduces carotid plaque inflammation, and combination therapy with amlodipine enhances patient adherence and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the prevalence of substandard medicines online remains a critical issue, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures.
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