Lipitor or atorvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering medicine that belongs to the category of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors drug. The oral tablet contains atorvastatin and other inactive ingredients like, calcium carbonate, candelilla wax, croscarmellose sodium, USP, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and lactose monohydrate. The medicine is taken along with diet to decrease levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and increase good cholesterol levels in body.
Uses of Lipitor
The medicine works by lowering the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. It decreases the (low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and increases the high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol. It also lowers the level of triglycerides- a kind of fat, in the blood. By treating high cholesterol, Lipitor’s lowers the chances of heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease and other diseases related to high cholesterol.
Side Effects of Lipitor
- Breathing difficulty
- Hives
- Swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of skin
- Joint Pain
- Diarrhea
Precautionary Measures
- Do not administer Lipitor to children’s who are less than 10 years.
- Avoid Lipitor in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lipitor can cause birth defects in unborn babies. In case of breast feeding, it can pass through the breast milk. Check with your doctor on the usage.
- Inform your doctor in case you are taking any other medications or medicine for liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in case you have liver disease.
- Speak to your doctor about the dosage and duration or course of the medicine as the medicine can cause breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue leading to kidney failure. Reach out to your doctor in case you experience any symptoms related to kidney disease.
- Maintain a diet which is low in fat and cholesterol. For the medicine to work best, take it along with good diet and exercise regularly.
- Continue taking this medicine even when your condition has improved.
- Avoid eating grapefruit while on this medication as it may increase the level of Lipitor in the blood.
Dosage
Take one tablet of atorvastatin daily along with a good diet or as recommended by the doctor. Do not increase the dosage as it may cause severe side effects. In case of missed dose, take it when you remember but keep in mind that the next dose should be taken only post 12 hours. In case of overdose, seek medical help immediately. In case you get any allergy from the medicine, discontinue the course immediately and consult your doctor. Do not take Lipitor without prescription in case you have liver disease.
Interaction of Lipitor
- Lipitor can interact with drugs like: medicines for heart, HIV medicines, birth control pills or contraceptives, antibiotic (like daptomycin) and antifungal medicines, blood thinners and liver disease medicines.
- In case of taking other medicines to lower cholesterol like- cholestyramine or colestipol, take Lipitor tablet before one hour or post one hour of taking the other medicines.
- Avoid eating red yeast rice along with Lipitor as it can cause muscle and liver issue.
