Indications
Lipitor, genetically known as Atorvastatin, is a widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication. It is a prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your arteries, which can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) belongs to the drug class of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), a group of drugs that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is used in conjunction with a healthy diet to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.
Uses and Dosage
Patients should take Lipitor (atorvastatin) orally, usually once daily with or without food as directed by their doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Patients should not split or divide a tablet without first consulting their pharmacist. Patients should take Lipitor regularly and as directed to achieve the best results.
If a patient is taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially bile acid-binding resins, they should take atorvastatin at least one hour before or four hours after taking the other medications. The dosage should not be altered without consulting a doctor, as it is based on the patient's medical condition, response to treatment, other medications they are taking, and age. Patients should not stop taking Lipitor abruptly, as this may worsen their condition.
In general, the recommended dosage of Lipitor for adults is 10 to 80 milligrams (mg) once a day. However, the dosage will depend on your age, other medical conditions, and other medications you may be taking.
Dosage for prevention of heart disease:
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
- Typical starting dosage: 10–20 mg taken once per day.
- Typical maintenance dosage: 10–80 mg taken once per day.
- Child dosage (ages 0–17 years): Atorvastatin hasn’t been approved for use in children younger than 18 years for the prevention of heart disease.
- Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older): Older adults may experience reduced kidney function which can slow down the body's ability to process drugs. This can mean that more of the drug stays in the body for longer, increasing the risk of side effects when taking Lipitor.
Dosage for dyslipidemia (cholesterol problems):
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
- Typical starting dosage: 10–20 mg taken once per day.
- Typical maintenance dosage: 10–80 mg taken once per day.
- Note: When treating homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the dosage is 10–80 mg taken once per day.
- Child dosage (ages 10–17 years): In children, atorvastatin is only used to treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Typical starting dosage: 10 mg once per day.
- Maximum dosage: 20 mg once per day.
- Child dosage (ages 0–9 years): Atorvastatin has not been studied in children younger than 10 years of age for this purpose. It should not be used in this age range for this purpose.
- Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older): Older adults may experience reduced kidney function which can slow down the body's ability to process drugs. This can mean that more of the drug stays in the body for longer, increasing the risk of side effects when taking Lipitor.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects:
- Change in the amount of urine
- Elevated blood sugar
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Persistent vomiting
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unusual tiredness
- Yellowish eyes or skin
Form and Strength
Lipitor and its Generic alternative Atorvastatin are available in the following forms and strength:
Lipitor Tablet
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 80 mg
Atorvastatin Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 80 mg
Caution
- You have not drink alcohol while taking Lipitor as it can increase the risk of liver problems and other side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol can also interact with Lipitor and other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking any medications.
- Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Lipitor due to the potential risk of harm to unborn babies and infants who are breastfeeding. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any medications while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin, as this could increase the amount of active ingredients in the system and increase the risk of side effects. You need to talk to your doctor before taking any medications, as certain foods and drinks can interact with certain medications.
- While taking Lipitor, patients may experience abnormally elevated levels of liver enzymes, which may indicate liver problems. Your doctor will monitor this and adjust your dosage as needed.
- While taking Lipitor, you should be cautious and monitor your risk for myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), as this risk is increased. Your doctor may adjust your dosage as needed to help reduce this risk.
- If you overdose on Lipitor, you should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, and an increased risk of liver problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who should not take Lipitor?
Lipitor should not be taken by people who have liver disease or have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any of its ingredients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also not take Lipitor.
What is the recommended dosage of Lipitor?
The recommended dosage of Lipitor for adults is 10 to 80 milligrams (mg) once a day. The dosage will depend on your age, other medical conditions, and other medications you may be taking. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and adjust it as needed.
How should I take Lipitor?
You should take Lipitor as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day with or without food. You should not take more or less than directed by your doctor.
What if I forget to take a dose of Lipitor?
If you forget to take your dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Lipitor at the same time.
Is Lipitor safe for long-term use?
While there is no definitive answer to this question, most studies have concluded that Lipitor is safe for long-term use. However, you should discuss any long-term use of Lipitor with your doctor.
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