Study of plasma level of atorvastatin and its effect on lipid profile

Atorvastatin, being one of the most commonly used antihyperlipidemic agents, is prescribed frequently by physicians all over the world but only a few data is available stating its effect in different ethnic population, more so from this part of India. The present study was designed focusing mainly on local population and was planned to determine plasma level of atorvastatin 10 mg and its effect on lipid profile in newly diagnosed hyperlipidemic patients attending Medical OPD of Shri Krishna Hospital, Karamsad (Gujarat). Study-I was carried out in 6 healthy volunteers to determine t(max) after single dose of atorvastatin 10 mg under fasting conditions, on the basis of which Study-II was conducted in 15 patients, collecting blood samples at a particular time (i.e t(max) of Study-I) after administration of atorvastatin 10 mg/day on day 1 as well as on the last day after 8 weeks of treatment. The plasma concentrations were determined by RP-HPLC system. Atorvastatin 10 mg/day for 8 weeks with a plasma level range (7.45, 12.08) ng/mL significantly (P < 0.05) reduced all the parameters of lipid profile from the study population. The mean decrease in HDL-C triggers a question on the effect of atorvastatin on HDL-C, which requires further study on a larger population of our country.