Statins on the NCLEX
Statin class for NCLEX: -statin ending, when to take, rhabdomyolysis warning, LFTs, grapefruit juice.
Statins end in -statin. Block HMG-CoA reductase → lower cholesterol synthesis. NCLEX tests rhabdo, LFT monitoring, and patient teaching.
Common drugs
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin.
When to take
Most at bedtime (cholesterol synthesis peaks at night). Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have long half-lives, any time of day.
Major side effects
Myopathy / rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, report immediately, check CK). Hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs).
Grapefruit juice
Increases simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin levels, increased rhabdo risk. Counsel to avoid.
Contraindications
Pregnancy (teratogenic). Active liver disease. Severe muscle disease.
Frequently asked
Muscle aches on a statin, stop the drug?
Hold and notify provider. Check CK. Rhabdo is rare but serious. Sometimes a statin switch resolves it.
How often check LFTs?
Baseline, then as clinically indicated. Routine monitoring used to be quarterly; now individualized.
Quick check
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