MedDataToolLipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart-related issues like heart attacks and strokes, especially in people with certain risk factors or conditions like diabetes. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. You take it as a pill once a day, starting with a dose of 10 or 20 mg, and it can go up to a maximum of 80 mg daily if needed. It's important to know that Lipitor should not be taken if you have liver problems. Additionally, if you're taking certain antiviral medications like saquinavir with ritonavir, you should not exceed a dose of 20 mg of Lipitor daily.
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Uses
- Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease.
- Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease.
- Reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with coronary heart disease.
- Lower LDL cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia.
- Lower LDL cholesterol in children aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Lower LDL cholesterol in children aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Treat adults with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia.
- Treat adults with hypertriglyceridemia.
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Dosage
Take once daily with or without food.
Adults: Start with 10 or 20 mg, range 10 to 80 mg.
Children aged 10 years and older with HeFH: Start with 10 mg, range 10 to 20 mg.
Children aged 10 years and older with HoFH: Start with 10 to 20 mg, range 10 to 80 mg.
Monitor LDL cholesterol after 4 weeks and adjust if needed.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
Nasopharyngitisjoint paindiarrheapain in limbsurinary tract infectionMuscle pain
Serious
liver dysfunctionincreased blood sugar levels
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of muscle problems like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
- Possible liver issues.
- Monitor blood sugar levels for increases.
- Use caution with certain antiviral medications and antifungals.
- Avoid high doses with specific drugs like cyclosporine and gemfibrozil.
- Not recommended for patients with severe liver disease.
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Drug interactions
- Cyclosporineincreases atorvastatin levelsMonitor
- Gemfibrozilincreases risk of muscle problemsMonitor
- Clarithromycinincreases atorvastatin levelsMonitor
- Itraconazoleincreases atorvastatin levelsMonitor
- Rifampinreduces atorvastatin levelsCaution
- Oral contraceptivesincreases hormone levelsMonitor
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).