Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Medication Information:

What is Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, and triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.

What is Lipitor (Atorvastatin) used for?

Lipitor is a prescription drug used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), raise levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), lower triglycerides, treat the symptoms of high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.

How does Lipitor work?

Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, that belongs to a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol that can build up on the walls of arteries and obstruct blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs of the body by inhibiting the creation of cholesterol in the body.

Direction:

How to take Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. It is available as capsules and tablets and must be given in combination with other medications.

What is the different dosage available?

Is available as an oral tablet of 10mg, 20mg,40mg, and 80mg.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dosage of Lipitor is, 10-80mg taken as a single dose administered orally usually once daily with or without food.

What is the maximum dosage?

The maximum dosage for the medicine in adults is 80mg which can be used along with other medications. Dosage is adjusted based on the weight and health conditions of an individual.

What if you forget to give a dose of Lipitor?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Lipitor Precautions:

What should you know about Lipitor (Atorvastatin)before you start taking it?

You should not take Lipitor (Atorvastatin) if you have any liver disease or kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are planning to undergo or have undergone any surgery. The medication should be stopped 5 days before the surgery. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Zetia.

Lipitor Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

One can experience mild memory problems or confusion while using Lipitor. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Symptoms can occur at any point after you start taking this drug. Tell your doctor straight away if you experience any of the significant side effects in liver-like constant nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, and severe stomach/abdominal pain.

Lipitor Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

If you're currently taking aspirin, talk to your doctor about whether you should keep taking it or stop taking it while taking this drug for your specific illness (aspirin and clopidogrel may be used in combination after a coronary stent procedure, or for some heart conditions). Consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical issue if you haven't already.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC)away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription.
• The chances of treatment failure grow when dosages are skipped. Make sure you take all of your medications at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Don't increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it for even a short time without your doctor's permission.

FAQs:

Can Lipitor (Atorvastatin) be taken alone?

Lipitor can be taken alone or in combination with other drugs. Lipitor is a member of the Lipid-Lowering Agents class of medicines.

What should I stay away from while on Lipitor?

If you eat high-fat or high-cholesterol foods, your atorvastatin will be less effective. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. It can elevate your triglyceride levels and put your liver at risk. Grapefruit and atorvastatin may interact, causing undesirable side effects.

How can I quit taking Lipitor without harming myself?

You should only stop taking Lipitor if your healthcare provider advises you to. Stopping abruptly increases the risk of blood clots.

Can Lipitor (Atorvastatin) be taken on an empty stomach?

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) can be recommended to take with or without food.