Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood when diet and lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control cholesterol.
This medicine is also used to prevent cardiovascular problems in people at high risk of heart disease, such as people who smoke, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of heart conditions.
Atorvastatin is available by prescription in tablet form under the brand name Lipitor, as well as in its generic form, atorvastatin calcium.
Indications for use
Atorvastatin may be prescribed for the following purposes:
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As a complementary treatment to diet to lower total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B;
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To increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol or other lipid disorders when diet and lifestyle changes are not enough;
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To help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as angina, heart attack, or stroke in people with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.
Atorvastatin can also be prescribed for people who already have coronary artery disease to reduce the risk and severity of cardiovascular events and lower the chances of hospitalization for heart failure.
Does atorvastatin cause weight loss?
Atorvastatin is not a medication used for weight loss. While it helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, it does not promote body fat loss.
However, some people taking atorvastatin may experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to eating less and possibly a small amount of weight loss. Even so, atorvastatin should not be used for this purpose.
Dosing instructions
Atorvastatin should be taken by mouth with a glass of water, either before or after a meal.
Each tablet may contain 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg of atorvastatin. The exact dosage should be prescribed by a healthcare provider based on cholesterol levels, treatment goals, age, and individual response to therapy.
The usual starting dose for adults and children over 10 years old is 10 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day. A doctor may adjust the dose every 4 weeks or more as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg once daily.
Side effects
The most common side effects of atorvastatin include:
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Insomnia;
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Headache;
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Nausea or vomiting;
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Diarrhea or constipation;
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Abdominal pain;
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Muscle pain;
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Gas;
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Low or high blood sugar;
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Weight loss;
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Inflammation of the pancreas and/or liver;
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Hair loss.
Overall, atorvastatin is well tolerated, and most side effects are mild or temporary.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which may lead to kidney failure.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, extreme fatigue, fever, confusion, restlessness, or delirium.
Contraindications for use
Atorvastatin should not be used by people who are allergic to atorvastatin or any of its components. People who have experienced allergic reactions to other medications should discuss this with their doctor before starting treatment.
This medication is also not recommended for individuals with active liver disease, cirrhosis, or severe liver, kidney, or heart failure. It should be avoided by those with low blood pressure or a history of recurrent peptic ulcers, stomach or intestinal bleeding, or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
Atorvastatin is not indicated for use in children under 10 years old. In younger children, cholesterol management should be addressed with dietary and lifestyle changes under medical supervision.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or able to become pregnant should not use atorvastatin without the use of effective contraception. This medication can cause harm to a developing fetus and should only be used when there is no risk of pregnancy.