Atorvastatin: (Lipitor) Uses, About, Side Effects & Dosage

Atorvastatin is a prescription-based medication that’s used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart complications. It belongs to the group  of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. In this article we discuss the  uses, side effects, safety, and dosage of Atorvastatin.

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering prescription drug. Its brand-name is called Lipitor,  but it’s also available in a generic form which typically costs significantly less money. The  primary use of atorvastatin is to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems  in individuals with risk factors for heart disease.

Atorvastatin Uses

Atorvastatin is used to improve cholesterol levels in people with different types of  cholesterol problems. It may decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke and is used in  conjunction with a healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise.

atorvastatin and diet

How Does Atorvastatin Work?

Atorvastatin lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and raises your  high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good” cholesterol. It improves your body’s ability to  dispose of LDL cholesterol through your liver.

What Are The Side Effects of Atorvastatin?

There are quite a few possible side effects of atorvastatin. This includes: 

• Diarrhea 

• Gas 

• Heartburn 

• Joint pain 

• Confusion/forgetfulness 

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) 

Fortunately, these side effects are rather mild and can go away within a couple

Possible Serious Side Effects

If you are experiencing serious side effects call your doctor or 911 right away. Possible  serious side effects of atorvastatin can include the following: 

Liver Problems: 

• Tiredness or weakness 

• Loss of appetite 

• Upper stomach pain 

• Dark urine 

• Yellowing of your skin 

Muscle Problems 

• Unexplained muscle weakness or pain 

• Tiredness 

• Tenderness 

Disclaimer: At Manifest Pharmacy we want to provide you with the most  relevant and up-to-date information available. Unfortunately, because drugs affect each  individual differently, we cannot guarantee that we have included all possible side effects.

Does It Interact With Other Medications?

Atorvastatin may interact with other medications, herbs, and sometimes vitamins. Be sure  to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking. Drugs  that may interact with atorvastatin are listed below.

Antibiotics

Atorvastatin may interact with other medications, herbs, and sometimes vitamins. Be sure  to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking. Drugs  that may interact with atorvastatin are listed below.

Other Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs while prescribed atorvastatin can increase your  risk of developing muscle problems. Examples of these drugs include: 

• Gemfibrozil 

• Niacin • Medications that contain fibrate

Fungal Drugs

Drugs used to treat fungal infections may cause atorvastatin to build up in your body. This  increases your risk for muscle breakdown. Some of these drugs include: 

• Ketoconazole 

• Itraconazole

How To Take Atorvastatin

The dosage information included below is for atorvastatin oral tablets. Not all possible  dosage amounts are included here. Your dosage may depend on a few different things,  such as: 

• Your age 

• The condition being treated 

• The severity of your condition 

• Other medical conditions you have • How you react to the first dose 

Atorvastatin Dosage

Ages 18-64 (Adult Dosage) 

 Starting dosage: 10-20 mg taken once daily 

 Maintenance dosage: 10-80 mg taken once daily 

Ages 0-17 (Children Dosage)

Atorvastatin is not approved for use in children under 18 years of age.

Ages 65 Years and Older (Senior Dosage) 

The kidneys in older adults may not function as efficiently as they used to. This can cause  your body to process drugs more slowly and as a result, drugs may stay in your system for  longer. Consequently, this can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Take As Directed

Atorvastatin can come with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. 

If you miss a dose or don’t take the drug on a schedule: Your medication may not work  as well or may stop working completely. In order for this drug to work well, a certain  amount needs to be present in your body at all times. 

If you stop taking the drug: Yes, eating a healthy diet can improve your cholesterol levels,  atorvastatin may improve them even more. 

How to tell if atorvastatin is working: Physically you will not be able to feel it working for  you. Your doctor can measure your cholesterol levels and adjust your cholesterol levels  accordingly. 

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body if you  experience the following symptoms: 

• Diarrhea 

• Excessive gas 

• Heart burn 

• Joint pain 

• Confusion 

• Forgetfulness 

• Loss of appetite and stomach pain 

• Dark-colored urine 

Allergy Warnings of Atorvastatin

This drug can cause severe allergic reactions. This includes: 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Trouble swallowing 

• Swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing any of these  symptoms. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to  it. Taking it again could be fatal (and even cause death).

Possible Food Warnings

Do not drink excessive amounts of grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin. If you do it can  cause a buildup of atorvastatin in your blood.

Alcohol

Alcohol increases your risk of liver disease. Speak with your healthcare professional if you  drink more than two alcoholic drinks each day.

Who Shouldn’t Take Atorvastatin?

Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems that can increase your risk of muscle  breakdown while taking atorvastatin. 

Liver disease: It is highly recommended that you don’t take atorvastatin if you have liver  disease because it may increase your liver test results. If you have liver problems talk to  your healthcare professional before using. 

Diabetes: Atorvastatin may elevate your blood sugar levels. You may need to monitor you  blood sugar levels more closely if you’re taking this drug.

Other Warnings

Pregnant women: Those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not  use this drug. There is little-to-no safety research in pregnant women for atorvastatin. 

Children: Atorvastatin should not be used by children younger than 10-years of age.  

Breastfeeding mothers: If you are breastfeeding your child, it is best to talk to your health  practitioner to find what medication is right for you.

What To Consider When Taking Atorvastatin

There are a few things to consider if you are prescribed atorvastatin oral tablets.

General 

Don’t crush or chew the tablet under any condition. 

Storage 

Do not store atorvastatin in moist or damp areas. It is best to store this medication  between 68°F and 77°. 

Refills

This medication can be refilled. Your healthcare professional will write the number of refills  on your prescription. 

Travel 

When you are traveling with atorvastatin: 

• Carry it with you. Do not put it in a checked bag. 

• X-ray machine cannot hurt your medication 

• Do not leave this medication in the car if the weather is really hot or really cold.

• You may need to show airport staff the label for your prescription if you are traveling  out of the country. 

Your Diet 

While taking this drug your doctor or healthcare professional may recommend that you  follow a low-fat, cholesterol diet.

Atorvastatin: (Lipitor) Uses, About, Side Effects & Dosage

Atorvastatin is a prescription-based medication that’s used to treat high cholesterol and  lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications. It belongs to the group  of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. 

Atorvastatin lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and raises your  high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good” cholesterol. It improves your body’s ability to  dispose of LDL cholesterol through your liver.

Atorvastatin

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