Allergic asthma induced by atorvastatin calcium

Abstract

A 61-year-old man received oral atorvastatin calcium 20 mg at bedtime for cerebral infarction. Thirty minutes later after the atorvastatin calcium administration for the first time, the patient developed chest tightness, asthma, cough and expectoration. His heart rate was 108 beats/min, respiratory rate was 29 times/min, blood pressure was 98/63 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Blood gas analysis showed the following levels: oxygen partial pressure 71 mmHg, total carbon dioxide 53 mmol/L. It was considered that atorvastatin calcium induced allergic asthma. He was given oxygen inhalation and IV infusions of dexamethasone 5 mg, ambroxol hydrochloride 30 mg and doxofylline 0.2 g. One hour later, the symptoms were improved. The next day, the patient′s respiratory rate was 18 times/min, the heart rate was 76 beats/min, the blood pressure was 101/66 mmHg. The chest tightness and asthma were obviously improved with oxygen partial pressure of 82 mmHg and total carbon dioxide of 32 mmol/L. Atorvastatin calcium was discontinued and switched to rosuvastatin calcium 10 mg at bedtime, the chest tightness and asthma did not recur. Key words: Atorvastatin calcium; Anaphylaxis; Asthma