Description
Generic Name: atorvastatin calcium
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Lipitor Details
Lipitor is an oral prescription drug used to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, and revascularization procedures among patients with coronary heart disease, without coronary heart disease but with multiple risks, and type 2 diabetes. It is also used to reduce the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B among patients with primary hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Have Side Effects of Lipitor
Mild & Common Side Effects:
-Headache
-Nausea
-Fatigue
-Heartburn
-Constipation
-Flatulence
Severe Side Effects:
-High blood sugar levels
-Muscle pain or weakness (autoimmune myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
-Changes in the amount of urine
-Persistent nausea and vomiting
-Severe abdominal pain
Note that this is not a full/complete list of the side effects of Lipitor.
If you experience severe or persistent adverse reactions, discontinue medication and talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.
Lipitor Warnings
Do not take this prescription drug if you have a known allergy to atorvastatin or any inactive ingredients the tablet may contain. Always be watchful for any signs of serious allergic reactions, including trouble breathing, swelling of the face and neck, severe dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, hives/itchiness, and skin rashes. Stop taking this oral medication and seek emergency medical help immediately if this occurs.
This medication may be contraindicated for people with a history of alcohol abuse, kidney disease, and liver disease. Also, due to possible drug interactions, you should discuss all the prescription medications, nonprescription medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Avoid or restrict your alcohol consumption while on this statin therapy. Drinking alcohol can further increase the risk of liver damage, especially if combined with atorvastatin.
Lipitor and grapefruit may interact and cause adverse reactions. This is because grapefruit contains compounds that can negatively affect statins. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking anything with grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Pregnant moms must avoid this statin because it is known to cause harm to unborn babies. For breastfeeding moms, take this oral drug only if extremely necessary. It is essential to discuss all the possible risks with a healthcare provider.
How to Take Lipitor
Before taking this medication, it is necessary to read a healthcare professional’s information leaflet or medication guide. Until you understand the uses and directions of any medication, you should not take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further medical advice or additional details.
This tablet is only meant to be taken by mouth. This is usually prescribed once a day and preferably at the same time each day. You may take it with or without a meal. Swallow the tablet and drink fluids right after.
Make a dosing schedule. If you are prescribed other cholesterol drugs, such as colestipol or cholestyramine, take them 1 hour prior or 4 hours after taking this medication. Do not increase or decrease your doses of atorvastatin. You should also not take this oral drug more frequently than advised.
This oral medication is only an adjunct to proper diet and regular exercise. It may not work as well if lifestyle changes are not applied. Always eat a healthy balanced meal and do exercise regularly.
Dosage Forms
This is available in Lipitor 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets.
Lipitor Mechanism of Action
It catalyzes HMG-CoA conversion to mevalonate, which is a step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This works directly on the liver by decreasing the concentrations of hepatic cholesterol in order to upregulate the hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptors and increase the hepatic uptake of LDL. It also reduces other lipid levels while increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Common Questions About Lipitor
What is Lipitor used for?
Lipitor (generic: atorvastatin) is prescribed to lower the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol levels. This drug is classified as a statin.
How does Lipitor work?
This statin works by blocking a specific enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making different types of lipids. This includes cholesterol and fats.
What is the best time to take Lipitor?
Most manufacturers recommend taking statins at night. However, there is no definite time to take Lipitor. You may take it any time, provided that you follow a dosing schedule.
Does Lipitor make you gain weight?
Weight gain or any weight changes are not among the side effects of this product. If you notice unusual weight gain while taking this drug, you must talk to your doctor.
Does Lipitor make you sleepy?
Atorvastatin does not cause drowsiness. Even so, among the common side effects of this drug are nausea and headache.
Can you buy Lipitor over the counter?
You may purchase Lipitor in Canada. Just present a valid prescription from your physician upon purchase.
What is The Price of Lipitor?
You may see the list of prices on this page by clicking here. Get the best deals when you order your prescription drugs from Pharma Passport.