What is an Atorvastatin Tablet?
Atorvastatin tablet effectively lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels to prevent angina, heart attacks & strokes, and heart disease.
Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins).
Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine that increases good cholesterol levels in the blood.
Doctors prescribe Atorvastatin along with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the chance of heart surgery in people with heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disorders.
Atorvastatin is also helpful in reducing the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood of children and teenagers with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia.
After a valid prescription from the doctor, you can buy Atorvastatin tablets from licensed pharmacies.
How does Atorvastatin Tablet work?
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medicine that obstructs an enzyme needed in your body to make cholesterol.
In this way, the Atorvastatin tablet lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides and raises the level of good cholesterol.
How to take Atorvastatin Tablet?
You should take the Atorvastatin tablet exactly in the same way as your doctor recommends.
Atorvastatin tablets can be taken with or without food once a day. You can take this medicine anytime, but try taking it simultaneously daily.
Swallow the Atorvastatin tablet with a glass of water, and do not crush, chew, or break it, as the medicine can taste bitter.
Your doctor might occasionally change the dose of Atorvastatin to ensure you get the best results.
Atorvastatin tablets should not be used in large or small amounts or for longer than the doctor prescribes.
If you want to achieve the best results from the Atorvastatin tablet, continue to take this medicine unless the doctor tells you to stop.
Atorvastatin is also available in different strengths, such as 10mg, 20mg,
and 40mg. Depending on your condition, the doctor will determine the right dosage and duration of treatment.
Atorvastatin tablets can take up to two weeks before the cholesterol levels improve, so have regular blood tests from a trusted pathologist.
What are the Side Effects of Atorvastatin Tablet?
Following your doctor’s recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
However, most Atorvastatin side effects do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
Some common side effects of Atorvastatin tablet include:
- Indigestion
- Urinary tract infection
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nausea
- Pain in extremities
- Joint pain
Seek medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
What are the Precautions and Warnings for Atorvastatin tablets?
Do not take Atorvastatin tablets if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
Before you start treatment with Atorvastatin, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Kidney disorder
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Thyroid problem
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- A habit of drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day
People who have cirrhosis or liver disorder should not take Atorvastatin tablets.
Avoid having foods high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not effectively lower your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
What are the Drug interactions for Atorvastatin?
Inform the doctor about all other prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
Some medicines you should avoid with Atorvastatin tablet include:
- Medications used for treating hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS
- Colchicine
- Ketoconazole
- Birth control pill
- Digoxin
- Cyclosporine
- Macrolide antibiotic
How to Store Atorvastatin Tablet?
You can store Atorvastatin tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atorvastatin Tablet (FAQs)
Can Atorvastatin increase the risk of developing diabetes?
If you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Atorvastatin might increase the risk slightly. However, if you already have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest monitoring blood sugar levels for a few months closely.
Does Atorvastatin cause weight loss?
No. Atorvastatin has not been reported to cause weight loss. However, some people have reported weight gain as an uncommon side effect of this medicine.
Is it safe to take alcohol with Atorvastatin?
No. Doctors do not recommend taking alcohol with Atorvastatin. This is because your risk of developing liver disorders might increase.
