Atorvastatin Tablet: Quick Summary
Uses, benefits, side effects, dosage & important warnings
Drug Name
Atorvastatin Tablet
Generic Name
Atorvastatin calcium
Drug Class
Statin / HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
Uses
Treatment of high cholesterol and reduction of cardiovascular risk
Benefits
Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Side Effects
Muscle pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea and digestive discomfort may occur
Common Strengths
10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg
Dosage
Usually taken once daily; the dose is individualized according to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk
How to Take
Take once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day
How It Works
Reduces cholesterol production in the liver by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
Monitoring
Cholesterol levels and, when clinically indicated, liver enzymes and muscle-related symptoms may be monitored
Important
Do not stop or change the dose without medical advice
💪 Muscle Warning:
Statins can rarely cause serious muscle problems. Tell your healthcare professional promptly if you develop unexplained severe muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly with fever or unusual tiredness.
Statins can rarely cause serious muscle problems. Tell your healthcare professional promptly if you develop unexplained severe muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly with fever or unusual tiredness.
🩺 Liver Warning:
Atorvastatin can affect liver enzymes. Tell your doctor if you develop unusual yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue or persistent upper abdominal discomfort.
Atorvastatin can affect liver enzymes. Tell your doctor if you develop unusual yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue or persistent upper abdominal discomfort.
🍊 Grapefruit Interaction:
Large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase atorvastatin levels in the body and may increase the risk of side effects. Discuss regular grapefruit consumption with your healthcare professional.
Large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase atorvastatin levels in the body and may increase the risk of side effects. Discuss regular grapefruit consumption with your healthcare professional.
🤰 Pregnancy Warning:
Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or become pregnant while taking it.
Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or become pregnant while taking it.