What condition is atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It’s used to lower cholesterol if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. It’s also taken to prevent heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
What is the most serious side effect of atorvastatin?
Common Lipitor side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests, according to Pfizer Inc. The drug label also warns of serious side effects such as liver problems and muscle problems that can lead to kidney failure.
When should I take atorvastatin?
Unlike other statins, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can be taken at any time of the day. This is because atorvastatin (Lipitor) stays in your body longer than short-acting statins. Other statins work better when taken at night because that is when the body makes the most cholesterol.
What is the best cholesterol medicine?
Advertisement
| Drug class | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Statins Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Fluvastatin (Lescol XL) Lovastatin (Altoprev) Pitavastatin (Livalo) Pravastatin (Pravachol) Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Simvastatin (Zocor) | Decrease LDL and triglycerides; slightly increase HDL |
What foods should be avoided when taking atorvastatin?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or atorvastatin will not be as effective. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Grapefruit may interact with atorvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects.
Does atorvastatin reduce cholesterol?
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. Statins lower cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, an enzyme that’s needed for the liver to produce cholesterol.