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Common name
Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Description
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body. Atorvastatin reduces the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood.
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Active Ingredients:
Atorvastatin
Therapeutic actions:
Lipitorฎ (atorvastatin calcium) is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Use Lipitor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
What is it used for?:
Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels.
It is used along with an appropriate diet.
It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain caused by angina, or blood vessel blockage.
It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, or the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart blood vessels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin."
It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol. You need to follow a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before starting Lipitor, and should continue following it throughout your therapy. ADULTS The recommended starting dose is 10 or 20 milligrams once a day. (The doctor may start with 40 milligrams daily if your LDL levels need to be reduced by more than 45 percent.)
The doctor will check your cholesterol levels every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the dose accordingly. The maximum recommended daily dose is 80 milligrams. CHILDREN 10 to 17 YEARS OLD The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams once a day.
The dosage may be increased after 4 weeks, as determined by the doctor, up to a maximum of 20 milligrams a day. Girls must be having regular menstrual cycles before starting therapy with Lipitor.
The safety and effectiveness of Lipitor in children under 10 years old or in doses greater than 20 milligrams a day have not been studied.
Contraindications and cautions:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Lipitor
you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
you are pregnant or breast-feeding
you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, or mibefradil Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Some medical conditions may interact with Lipitor .
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are planning to become pregnant
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures
if you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
if you have recently had major surgery, a serious injury, or a stroke
Lipitor may cause dizziness.
These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.
Use Lipitor with caution.
Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Lipitor . Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Lipitor .
Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lipitor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.
Lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Lipitor .
These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
Take Lipitor by mouth with or without food.
Continue to take Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Lipitor , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take atorvastatin with a full glass of water. Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested.
Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure.
Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. Store atorvastatin at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.
Side effects:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome: Constipation; gas; headache; stomach pain or upset; weakness. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bone, joint, or tendon pain; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; flu-like symptoms; joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); painful or frequent urination; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Interactions:
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lipitor.
Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), colchicine, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Lipitor 's effectiveness
Digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lipitor
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Lipitor . Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor .
Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while taking Lipitor .
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