In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Atorvastatin, also known as Lipitor. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.
You can find more useful videos on cardiovascular diseases and their treatments here:
• Cardiovascular Disease...
Generic name: Atorvastatin.
Brand names: Lipitor.
Available as tablets and chewable tablets.
How to use it?
- Tablet: just swallow it whole with half a glass of water.
- Chewable tablet: just take the tablets and chew on it until it dissolves. If you want to you can also swallow this tablet whole.
It is best to take this medicine at fixed times. This will make you less likely to forget a dose.
When to use it?
Atorvastatin is part of a group of drugs called Statins. They inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which normally plays an essential role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This lowers the circulating LDL, the total cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol.
Therefore Atorvastatin can be used to treat a high cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia and it can be used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, when treating adults most doctors will start with an initial dose of 10 mg 1x per day. Which if necessary, at intervals, can be increased to max. 80 mg 1x per day.
What are the side-effects?
- Common: Sore throat, nosebleed, allergic reaction, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, constipation, joint pain, backache, muscle spasms, high blood glucose and headache.
- Uncommon: Fever, Malaise, Edema, Chest pain, Fatigue, Hair loss, Rash, Itching, Hepatitis, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Belching, Weight gain, Tinnitus, Nightmares, Insomnia, Muscle fatigue, Muscle weakness, Low blood sugar, Dizziness and Taste disorders.
- Rare: it can cause several severe side effects.
Safety:
- First of all it is safe to drive when using atorvastatin.
- However, it rarely can cause liver abnormalities which can be increased with consumption of too much alcohol. Therefore it is often advised to not drink or at most 1 glass a day while using atorvastatin.
- In addition do not drink grapefruit juice, as this enhances the effect of atorvastatin, which can cause side effects.
- Furthermore, atorvastatin can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
- Lastly, do not use atorvastatin while pregnant or while breastfeeding, as it can be dangerous.
- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Atorvastatine.
2: Apotheek.nl (2022). Atorvastatine.
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