Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2025

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
07:21

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice

Published on: September 28, 2015

38.3K

Dose-dependent atorvastatin associated with angioedema

Ayman M Al-Qaaneh, Waleed T Obaid, Osama S Al-Mohammadi

    International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    |November 15, 2021
    PubMed

    Insights

    Increasing atorvastatin dosage may trigger angioedema, a rare side effect. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for adverse drug reactions, particularly when combining statins with blood pressure medications.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Medicine

    Background:

    • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are commonly used antihypertensives.
    • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely prescribed for hyperlipidemia.
    • Drug-induced angioedema is a serious adverse reaction requiring prompt recognition.

    Observation:

    • A 79-year-old woman developed facial and periorbital swelling, lower extremity edema, dyspnea, and rash.
    • Symptoms began two days after increasing atorvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) from 20 mg to 40 mg daily.
    • The patient was also taking losartan (ARB) and amlodipine (CCB) for hypertension.

    Findings:

    • Discontinuation of atorvastatin led to the resolution of angioedema symptoms during hospitalization.
    • This case suggests a potential link between increased atorvastatin dosage and angioedema.
    • Concurrent use of antihypertensives like losartan and amlodipine may potentiate the risk.

    Implications:

    • Clinicians should consider angioedema as a possible adverse effect of atorvastatin, especially with dose escalation.
    • Awareness of potential drug interactions between statins and antihypertensives (ARBs, CCBs) is crucial.
    • Vigilance for angioedema is warranted in patients on multiple cardiovascular medications.
    Abstract

    More Related Videos

    Drug Treatment by Central Venous Catheter in a Mouse Model of Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Monitoring by 3D Ultrasound10:09

    Drug Treatment by Central Venous Catheter in a Mouse Model of Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Monitoring by 3D Ultrasound

    Published on: August 4, 2022

    3.4K
    Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles09:15

    Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

    Published on: November 10, 2017

    14.8K

    Related Concept Videos

    Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

    Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

    Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
    947
    Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

    Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

    In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
    1.3K
    Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

    Allergic Drug Reactions

    Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
    1.0K
    Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine01:25

    Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine

    Angina pectoris, a primary symptom of ischemic heart disease, requires careful pharmacological interventions. In this context, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ranolazine have emerged as crucial pharmacotherapeutic agents, providing deep insights into the complexities of angina management.
    CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
    765
    Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

    Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

    Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
    1.2K
    Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy01:22

    Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy

    The potency of a drug is the measure of its ability to produce a biological response and can be compared by looking at the half-maximum effective concentration or EC50 values of different drugs. A lower EC50 value indicates higher potency of the drug. In the dose–response curve of two antihypertensive drugs, candesartan and irbesartan, a significant difference is observed in their EC50 values. A lower EC50 value for candesartan indicates that it is more potent than irbesartan, as it...
    5.6K