What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin consists of a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. It is used to lower the blood levels of low-density lipoprotein and to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein. Also, it is used for lowering triglycerides (it’s a type of fat in the blood). The Atorvastatin medicines are used for treating high cholesterol and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack or any other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes. The tablets are given to adults and children who are at least 10 years of age. Atorvastatin tablets are available in the brand name drug called Lipitor.
Atorvastatin Uses
- Atorvastatin works in reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
- The medicines are used together with diet, weight loss and exercise.
- It is also used for treating heart attack and stroke.
- It also helps in preventing cholesterol from building up in the arteries.
Atorvastatin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Atorvastatin are:
Some of the common side effects of Atorvastatin are:
- Muscle problems (pain, tiredness)
- Liver Problems
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Dark-coloured urine
- Lack of energy
- Chest Pain
- Bleeding
- Rash
- Hives
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased transaminases
- Muscle spasms
- Limb Pain
- Mouth and throat pain
- Allergic reaction
- Inflammation
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Atorvastatin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Atorvastatin side effects.
Precautions
Before taking this medicine talk to your doctor if you’re taking any prescribed and non-prescribe medicines, nutritional supplements and any herbal products. The medicine can cause some side effects which may affect your body.
Talk to your doctor if you are allergic to any of the medications. Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages as it can directly affect the liver. You can ask your doctor for more information. Inform your doctor if you have these problems:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Heartbeat disorder
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
How to get rid of the side effects?
Nausea
Try to take simple meals and avoid eating spicy foods. Atorvastatin should be taken after a meal and snack.
Headaches
Drink plenty of water for avoiding dehydration. Avoid the consumption of alcohol. Take pain killers in case of severe headache
Body pain
If you are facing any unusual body muscle pain because of excessive exercise or hard work then immediately takes consultation from your doctor.
How to take Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin tablets should be taken once in a day after having your food. The doctor may change the dosage to get the best results. It can take 2 weeks to improve the cholesterol levels so you need to do regular blood tests.
Dosage
Generic: Atorvastatin (Tablet) - 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg
Brand: Lipitor (Tablet) – 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg
Dosage for Heart disease
Adult dosage- 10-80 mg one per day
Dosage for Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol problem)
Adult dosage- 10-80 mg one per day
Children dosage (Age 10-17 yrs) – 10 mg per day
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Atorvastatin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed dose
Missing one or two-dose of Atorvastatin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Atorvastatin Warnings
- Liver Disease
- Muscle Pain
- Hives
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue which will lead to kidney failure. Don’t take this drug if you have any allergies, it may cause you some serious medical conditions.
Warnings for serious health conditions:
Pregnancy
Atorvastatin is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you get pregnant. It’s better to avoid the usage of Atorvastatin at least 3 months before planning for pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Atorvastatin can get into the breast milk and will cause problem to your baby. Talk to your doctor before taking Atorvastatin. It’s better not to use Atorvastatin until your breastfeeding.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).Before taking Atorvastatin consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Atorvastatin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin vs Rosuvastatin
Atorvastatin |
Rosuvastatin |
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| Atorvastatin consists of a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or strains. It is used to lower the blood levels of low-density lipoprotein and to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein. Also, it is used for lowering triglycerides (it’s a type of fat in the blood). | Rosuvastatin is a drug. It is available in the brand name Crestor. This is used for controlling cholesterol level. The medication also helps in reducing fats in the blood. |
Some of the common side effects of Atorvastatin are:
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Some of the common side effects of Rosuvastatin are:
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Dosage:
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Dosage:
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Dosage for Heart disease:
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Dosage for high cholesterol:
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Dosage for Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol problem):
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Dosage for Heterozygous high Cholesterol:
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