A comparative effect of atorvastatin with other statins in patients of hyperlipidemia

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin compared with simvastatin and pravastatin in patients of hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel group, open-label study conducted at KG hospital, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Twenty hyperlipidemia patients each taking atorvastatin 20 mg, pravastatin 20 mg and simvastatin 20 mg tablets were selected for the study after clinical and baseline investigations. The patients were reviewed after 3(rd) and 5(th) month of statin therapy for lipid profile. The liver enzyme levels (SGOT, SGPT, ALP), albumin, bilirubin, protein and biochemical infraction parameters (Creatine Kinase, Creatine Kinase - Myocardial Band) after 5(th) month of treatment with statins were also reviewed. RESULTS: The results showed that atorvastatin significantly reduced the lipid levels (LDL-C, TC, TG, VLDL) when compared to simvastatin and pravastatin after 3(rd) and 5(th) month of treatment. Atorvastatin increased the HDL-C levels significantly when compared to simvastatin and pravastatin after 5 months of treatment. Atorvastatin also significantly reduced the CK levels when compared to pravastatin but no increase in liver enzyme levels was observed. CONCLUSION: The study showed that atorvastatin is more effective when compared to simvastatin and pravastatin in patients with hyperlipidemia.