See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. It works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the body [1].
Protein binding refers to the interaction between a drug and proteins in the bloodstream. Lipitor has a high protein binding rate, meaning it binds strongly to proteins, particularly albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein [2].
In kidney patients, the protein binding of Lipitor can affect its dosing in several ways. First, kidney disease can alter the protein binding of drugs. In some cases, it can decrease the protein binding, leading to an increase in the free, unbound fraction of the drug [3]. However, for Lipitor, studies have shown that its protein binding is not significantly affected by kidney function [2].
Nevertheless, kidney patients may still require dose adjustments due to other factors. For instance, kidney disease can affect the clearance of drugs, including Lipitor. The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating drugs from the body, and kidney disease can impair this process [4]. As a result, the accumulation of Lipitor in the body can increase, leading to a higher risk of side effects [5].
Therefore, kidney patients may require lower doses of Lipitor or more frequent monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment [6].
In conclusion, while the protein binding of Lipitor is not significantly affected by kidney function, kidney patients may still require dose adjustments due to changes in drug clearance.
Sources:
[1] "Atorvastatin." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Sept. 2021, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601245.html.
[2] "Atorvastatin." DrugBank, drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00335.
[3] "Protein Binding." National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551682/.
[4] "Renal Drug Clearance." National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551672/.
[5] "Atorvastatin." DrugPatentWatch, drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin.
[6] "Atorvastatin (Oral Route) Side Effects." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Jan. 2022, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064630?p=1.