Uses of Atorvastatin

It is used to treat high blood cholesterol levels and prevents the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina or related health problems.

Therapeutic Category

Atorvastatin: Lipid-lowering Agents

How Atorvastatin works

Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA which is used to make cholesterol in the liver. When that enzyme is blocked less cholesterol is produced thus reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It lowers the level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol), and raises high density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good" cholesterol) levels.

Common side effects of Atorvastatin

• Inflammation of the nasal passages
• Throat pain, nose bleeds
• Allergic reactions
• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Increase in blood creatine kinase
• Headache
• Nausea, constipation, indigestion, diarrhoea
• Joint pain, muscle pain and back pain
• Liver problems

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• if you experience severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, blisters in the skin, severe peeling, blistering of the skin and swelling of the skin, mouth, eyes, face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• if you experience Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever, weakness or reddish-brown urine (rhabdomyolysis)
• if you experience unexpected bleeding or bruising
• if you experience Severe skin rash with joint disorders and changes in blood counts (Lupus-like disease syndrome)
• in case of accidental overdose or ingestion

Health Tips for Atorvastatin

• Avoid consumption of grapefruit while taking atorvastatin as it may reduce its effectiveness
• Along with the treatment, you must follow a cholesterol-lowering diet, lifestyle changes and regular physical activity as instructed by your doctor to achieve better results
• Avoid smoking while taking atorvastatin
• Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor