Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium)

Lipitor Review

Lipitor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (Chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

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Lipitor Drug Class and Mechanism

As with other statins, atorvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Unlike most others, however, it is a completely synthetic compound. HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the reduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonate, which is the rate-limiting step in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Inhibition of the enzyme decreases de novo cholesterol synthesis, increasing expression of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDL receptors) on hepatocytes. This increases LDL uptake by the hepatocytes, decreasing the amount of LDL-cholesterol in the blood. Like other statins, atorvastatin also reduces blood levels of triglycerides and slightly increases levels of HDL-cholesterol. In clinical trials, adding ezetimibe (Zetia) to Lipitor lowered cholesterol more effectively than Vytorin

Lipitor Uses

This medication is used to treat help lower cholesteral.Take Lipitor tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the Lipitor with a drink of water. Lipitor can be taken at anytime of the day with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Lipitor Side Effects

Although side effects from Lipitor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: -gas -stomach pain or cramps -diarrhea -constipation -heartburn -headache -blurred vision -dizziness -rash or itching -upset stomach If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: -muscle pain -tenderness -muscle cramps or weakness with or without a fever.

Lipitor Pregnancy

Lipitor Overdose

There is no specific treatment for atorvastatin overdosage. In the event of an overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically, and supportive measures instituted as required. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.

Lipitor More Information

Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.