What considerations should be made when prescribing Atorvastatin to geriatric patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities or polypharmacy?
Sahil KapoorExplorer
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1. Consider reduced dosing for geriatric patients due to decreased hepatic clearance and increased sensitivity to Atorvastatin.
2. Assess renal function, as impaired kidneys may necessitate dosage adjustments to avoid increased risk of side effects.
3. Evaluate other medications for potential interactions with Atorvastatin, such as increased risk of myopathy with certain drugs.
4. Monitor for signs of muscle pain or weakness, particularly in those with comorbidities like renal impairment, which heightens risk of myopathy.
5. Be cautious of Atorvastatin’s potential to exacerbate diabetes, important in geriatric patients with or at risk of diabetes.
6. Consider liver function tests before starting treatment, as older adults may have pre-existing liver conditions that Atorvastatin could aggravate.