Warning: the text is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment of some your pharmacist. it shouldnot be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult youre healthcare professional before using this drug.

Atorvastatin - oral

(uh-tore-vuh-stah-tin)

common brand names: Lipitor

Lipitor Usage: Atorvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as 'statin'. It's used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol & fats (triglycerides) in blood. in general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol & triglycerides help prevent strokes & heart attacks. Atorvastatin is used in adults and child (10 years of age & older). Young girls must have had they're first menstrual period before starting this medication.

How to use Lipitor: Take this drug by mouth usually 1 time daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. this pill is best taken in evening. Dosage is based on you're medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. many of drugs listed in drug Interactions section may increase the chances about muscle injury when used with atorvastatin. Consult some your doctor or doctor since more details. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with it medication unless your healthcare professional instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your pharmacist or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take atorvastatin at least 2 hours after these medications. Use this tablet regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at same clock each day. this may take up to 4 weeks before full benefit of it drug takes effect. it is important to continue taking this pill even if you feel well. most human with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

Lipitor side effects: Headache, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, or joint pain may occur. If any about these effects persist or worsen, notify you're healthcare professional or pharmacist promptly. it drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can sometimes lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this tablet & tell your doctor immediately if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your pharmacist immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes & skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount about urine. serious allergic reaction to it med is unlikely, but seek immediate healthcare professional attention if this occurs. Symptoms about serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your healthcare professional or doctor.

Lipitor Precautions: it tablet should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this drug, tell your healthcare professional or doctor youre medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes (poorly controlled), alcohol use, any allergies (especially to other 'statins'). rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. it medication is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk about developing kidney problems. Before stopping you're medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures. Limit alcoholic beverages. daily use about alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Caution is advised when using it tablet in elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects about the medication, especially muscle damage. this pill must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your pharmacist immediately. it is recommended that young gilrs and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug since atorvastatin can cause fetal harm. this medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this med. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Lipitor drug interactions: see also How To Use section. this drug should not be used with following meds because very serious, possibly fatal, interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, nefazodone, telithromycin. If you are currently using any about these medications, tell your healthcare professional or doctor before starting atorvastatin. Use caution if the next medications combined with atorvastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Before using this medication, tell your pharmacist or physician about every prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: birth control pills, cholestyramine, clopidogrel, colestipol, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), other drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, and inducers such as amiodarone, cyclosporine, diltiazem, verapamil, rifampin, St. John's wort, carbamazepine). don't start or stop any medicine without pharmacist or pharmacist approval.

Lipitor Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Lipitor special notes: do not share this drug with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor you're progress or money for side effects. Consult your pharmacist for more details. since best results, it medication should be used along with exercise, low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, & weight loss program if you overweight. Also to help reduce your risk about heart attacks & strokes, dollars youre blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult youre healthcare professional for more details.

If you missed Lipitor dose: If you miss a dose, use this as soon as you remember. If Its near the time of next dose, skip missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double the dose to catch up.

Lipitor Storage: Store in room temperature between 68 & 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light & moisture. do not store at the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Active Ingredients : Atorvastatin