Is atorvastatin and atorvastatin calcium the same
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Relationship Between Atorvastatin and Atorvastatin Calcium
Introduction to Atorvastatin and Atorvastatin Calcium
Atorvastatin and atorvastatin calcium are terms often used interchangeably in the context of lipid-lowering medications. However, it is essential to understand their relationship and whether they refer to the same substance.
Chemical Composition and Formulation
Atorvastatin calcium is the calcium salt form of atorvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor. This form is used in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the stability and bioavailability of the active ingredient, atorvastatin . The calcium salt form is the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in widely used medications such as Lipitor.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence
Studies have shown that atorvastatin calcium is bioequivalent to atorvastatin in terms of pharmacokinetic parameters. For instance, a study conducted on healthy Chinese male volunteers demonstrated that both test and reference formulations of atorvastatin calcium 10-mg tablets met the regulatory definition for bioequivalence. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including maximum concentration (C_max) and area under the curve (AUC), were within the acceptable bioequivalence range.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
Atorvastatin calcium has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels and treating hyperlipidemia. It works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which is crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This action leads to a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides . Additionally, atorvastatin calcium has been found to be more efficient and safer in nanoparticulate formulations compared to traditional formulations, reducing adverse effects such as myotoxicity.
Solubility and Bioavailability
One of the challenges with atorvastatin calcium is its poor water solubility, which can affect its oral bioavailability. Various strategies, such as the development of nanoparticulate formulations and inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins, have been employed to enhance its solubility and therapeutic efficacy .
Conclusion
In summary, atorvastatin and atorvastatin calcium refer to the same active substance, with atorvastatin calcium being the calcium salt form used in pharmaceutical formulations. This form enhances the stability and bioavailability of atorvastatin, ensuring its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels and treating lipid disorders. The terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding their relationship helps in appreciating the formulation and pharmacokinetic considerations in clinical use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic