Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Atorvastatin is utilized in conjunction with a healthy diet, weight management, and physical activity to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and the need for heart surgery in individuals who have heart disease or are at risk of developing it.
Atorvastatin is also indicated for the reduction of cholesterol and other fatty substances in children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that impairs the body’s ability to remove cholesterol.
The medication helps to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good cholesterol.”
Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the body, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol that may accumulate on the walls of the arteries, impeding blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs by reducing blood cholesterol levels with Atorvastatin, the incidence of heart disease, angina, strokes, and heart attacks can be prevented.
Uses and Dosage
Atorvastatin should be taken orally as directed by your physician, typically once a day. The dosage will depend on various factors such as your medical status, age, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
Avoid consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Grapefruit can increase the levels of atorvastatin in your bloodstream.
If you are also taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as bile acid-binding resins (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take atorvastatin at least an hour before or four hours after taking these medications. Taking these medications with atorvastatin may prevent its complete absorption.
To achieve the best results, take atorvastatin regularly and at the same time each day. Even if you feel well, it’s essential to continue taking the medication. Many people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not experience any symptoms. It may take up to four weeks to see the full effects of the medication.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- joint pain
- stuffy nose
- sore throat
- diarrhea
- pain in your arms or legs
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- muscle weakness
- trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing
- upper stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
- little or no urinating
- swelling in your feet or ankles
- feeling tired or short of breath
Caution
Prior to commencing treatment with atorvastatin, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have a known allergy to the medication or any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly in regards to liver disease, kidney disease, and alcohol consumption.
During pregnancy, the use of atorvastatin should only be considered when deemed medically necessary. There is a potential risk of harm to an unborn baby. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the risks and benefits of the medication and provide guidance.
It is not known if atorvastatin passes into breast milk, and due to the potential risk to an infant, it is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. If you are considering breastfeeding, please consult your healthcare provider.
Form and Strength
Lipitor is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Lipitor tablet:
- 10mg
- 20mg
- 40mg
- 80mg
-
atorvastatin tablet:
- 5mg
- 10mg
- 20mg
- 40mg
- 80mg
FAQ
Is Lipitor a safe drug?
Yes, Lipitor is considered a safe drug for most people. It’s been used to treat certain conditions for more than 20 years and has been studied in adults and children.
Does Lipitor clean your arteries?
Yes. There have been several clinical studies that show statins can reverse plaque buildup.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/lipitor#fa-qs
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-statins-actually-reverse-plaque-buildup/#:~:text=A%3A%20Yes.,Crestor%2C%20are%20the%20strongest%20statins
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600045.html
- https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html#side-effects
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3330/lipitor-oral/details
- https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is#side-effects
