Atorvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Precautions

The most common drug for high cholesterol is atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is a statin drug, which means it works by preventing your body from making a substance that is needed for your body to produce cholesterol, and helps lower. Read this article to learn all about atorvastatin, including what it’s atorvastatin used for, atorvastatin side effects, atorvastatin dosage, and what precautions you should know before you start treatment with atorvastatin.

What is Atorvastatin?

It is a statin medication that is used to lower blood cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of getting a heart attack, stroke, or other heart problems. Given that atorvastatin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, etc., heart related issues in persons who have high cholesterol or at risk of cardiovascular condition.

How Does Atorvastatin Work?

Atorvastatin, one of the classes of drugs called statins, works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which helps to produce cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin blocks this enzyme, which results in your body making less cholesterol, and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. It does this by preventing plaque from building up in the arteries, hence it can prevent heart disease.

Common Uses of Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a drug used to treat high cholesterol and prevent similar disease in adults. Some of its main uses include:

• Prevention of heart disease: To reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in people who have high cholesterol, or who already have heart conditions.

• Familial hypercholesterolemia: The genetic condition causing high cholesterol also treated in children and adolescents.

Dosage Information for Atorvastatin

The dosages of atorvastatin that are recommended vary according to the patient’s medical condition and to the condition being treated. A healthcare provider may make adjustments to the 10-20 mg per day the initial dosage is, and the doses are sometimes given once in a day. Some people can go as high as 80 mg per day, only on the basis of their cholesterol level and how they respond to the medication. You need to always follow your doctor’s view about dosage.

Side Effects of Atorvastatin

Like all medications, atorvastatin can cause reactions, not everyone will have them. Common side effects of atorvastatin include:

• Muscle pain or weakness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Digestive complaints such as diarrhea

Serious side effects:

• Rhabdomyolysis (The breakdown of muscle)

• Liver damage

• Memory problems

If you have any of these more serious symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

Detailed Drug Interactions with Atorvastatin

Some medications can increase the risk of side effects when taken while you are taking atorvastatin or there is a chance that the two might interact and cancel out any effectiveness these medications may have. Some common interactions include:

• Blood thinners: Can affect blood clotting.

• Grapefruit juice: It can raise the blood amounts of atorvastatin, possibly causing increased likelihood of side effects.

• Other cholesterol-lowering drugs: Taken with atorvastatin the risk of muscle damage can increase.

Let your doctor know that you are also taking other medications, as that can lead to harmful interactions.

Warnings and Precautions for Atorvastatin

Do not start atorvastatin unless Consult to your doctor if you have problems with your liver, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. But serious side effects from atorvastatin are possible, and you need to carefully monitor your health with regular check-ups. Atorvastatin should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women because it can be harmful to the baby.

How to Store Atorvastatin

Keep atorvastatin at room temperature. Do not freeze and store away from light and moisture, and heat if possible. Make sure to keep it in its original container, and out of reach of children and pets. The medication needs to be stored properly in order to stay effective.

Conclusion 

Atorvastatin is a great cholesterol medication that helps prevent heart disease. Familiarising yourself with its uses, side effects, dosage and precautions will enable you to use this drug safely and effectively. Use heart h always according to doctor’s guidance in proper usage and maintenance

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Atorvastatin Information. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov. 

2. Mayo Clinic. Atorvastatin (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org. 

3. WebMD. Atorvastatin (Oral Route) Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com. 

Disclaimer:

This article does not provide medical advice, the information given is for general informational purposes only. It’s important to always Consult to your doctor or a qualified medical professional before beginning, ending or changing any prescription, including atorvastatin. It’s not possible to list all possible side effects, interactions, or all possible conditions, and individual treatment plans may vary. We are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any medication or information presented on this site by the authors.

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