Brand Name:Lipitor

Generic Name:atorvastatin

Drug Class:statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors,lipid-lowering agents

What is atorvastatin (Lipitor), and what is it used for?

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a type of statin that lowers the level ofcholesterolin the blood. All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol in theliverby blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that makes cholesterol. Statins reduce total cholesterol as well asLDL cholesterolin the blood.

LDL cholesterolis believed to be the "bad" cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development ofcoronary artery disease. Reducing LDLcholesterol levelsretards progression and may even reversecoronary artery disease. Atorvastatin also raises the concentrations ofHDL("good") cholesterol that protects against coronary artery disease and reduces the concentration oftriglyceridesin the blood. (High blood concentrations oftriglyceridesalso have been associated with coronary artery disease.)

Examples of other statins include:

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) uses

Lipitor is used for the treatment of elevated total cholesterol, LDL, andtriglycerides, and to elevateHDL cholesterol. The effectiveness of Lipitor inlowering cholesterolis dose-related, meaning that higher doses reduce cholesterol more.

In individuals with coronary artery disease Lipitor prevents:

Lipitor reduces the risk ofheartattack,stroke,angina, and revascularization procedures in adults without evidence of coronaryheart disease, but with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, for example:

What are the side effects of atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is generally well tolerated. Minor side effects include:

Other commonly reported side effects include:

Atorvastatin may cause liver and muscle damage. Serious liver damage caused by statins is rare.Liver testsshould be performed at the beginning of treatment and then as needed thereafter.

Inflammation of the muscles caused by statins can lead to a serious breakdown of muscle cells calledrhabdomyolysis.Rhabdomyolysiscauses the release of muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood, and myoglobin can causekidney failureand even death. When used alone, statins cause rhabdomyolysis in less than one percent of patients. To prevent the development of serious rhabdomyolysis, patients taking atorvastatin should contact their healthcare professional immediately if they develop unexplainedmuscle pain,weakness, or muscle tenderness.

Statins have been associated with increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels as seen indiabetes.

Post-marketing reports for atorvastatin of adverse events include:

Symptoms may start one day to years after starting treatment and resolve within a median of three weeks after stopping the statin.

What is the dosage for atorvastatin?

  • Lipitor is prescribed once daily.
  • The usual starting dose for adults is 10-20 mg per day, and the maximum dose is 80 mg per day. Adults who need more than a 45% reduction inLDL cholesterolmay be started at 40 mg daily.
  • Pediatric patients should receive 10 mg once daily up to a maximum dose of 20 mg daily.
  • Lipitor may be taken with or without food and at any time of day.

QUESTION

What is cholesterol?See Answer

What drugs interact with atorvastatin?

Decreased elimination of Lipitor could increase levels of Lipitor in the body and increase the risk of muscle toxicity from Lipitor. Therefore, Lipitor should not be combined withdrugsthat decrease its elimination. Examples of such drugs include:

Large quantities of grapefruit juice (>1.2 liters daily) also will increase blood levels of Lipitor and should not be taken.

The following drugs also may increase the risk of muscle toxicity when combined with Lipitor.

Lipitor increases the effect ofwarfarinand the concentration in the blood ofdigoxin(Lanoxin). Patients taking Lipitor and warfarin or digoxin should be monitored carefully.Cholestyraminedecreases the absorption of Lipitor. Lipitor should be given at least two hours before and at least four hours after cholestyramine.

Rifampin increases the breakdown of Lipitor. To reduce the likelihood of this interaction both drugs should be given at the same time. Lipitor should not be given after rifampin.

Is atorvastatin safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

  • Lipitor may cause fetal harm when administered to apregnantwoman. Lipitor should be discontinued as soon aspregnancyis recognized. Lipitor should only be administered to women of childbearing age if they are not likely to becomepregnant.
  • It is not known if Lipitor is secreted inbreast milk. Because of the potential risk of adverse events,breastfeedingmothers should not use Lipitor.

Summary

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a drug in the statin drug class prescribed to patients to lower blood cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, elevate HDL cholesterol, prevent angina, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, revascularization procedures in heart disease, and prevent heart attacks, and strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Prevention & Wellness

SLIDESHOW

How to Lower Your Cholesterol & Save Your HeartSee Slideshow

Health SolutionsFrom Our Sponsors

FDA Logo

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit theFDA MedWatchwebsite or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more info:atorvastatin on RxList
Medically Reviewed on10/24/2022
References
FDA Prescribing Information
Baidu
map