Atorvastatin
Lanark Laboratories Pvt Ltd ,
لانارک لیبارٹریز پرائیویٹ لمیٹڈ
Axn 10mg Tablet ,
Axn 10mg Tablet 10s
Coronary Artery Disease ,
Hypercholesterolemia
DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US. FDA / uk mhra / ema / pdma
Essential Medicine
WHO / India
Use in Pregnancy
Not Advised / Caution
Pharmaceutical Class
ama / pdma
Summary
Atorvastatin is typically used for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is also used in treating inherited high cholesterol, known as familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, in children and teenagers.
Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the body. This results in a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
The daily dosage of Atorvastatin varies from 10mg to 80mg, depending on your cholesterol levels and other factors. It's taken orally, once daily at the same time each day, with or without food.
Common side effects of Atorvastatin include headache, muscle pain, nausea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Serious side effects can include muscle damage, liver enzyme abnormalities, and a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis which can lead to kidney damage.
Atorvastatin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it can harm the baby. It should not be taken if you have or had liver disease. Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily can increase your risk of liver problems. If you are over 65, or have muscle aches, seizures, low blood pressure, or thyroid or kidney disease, tell your doctor.
Indications and Purpose
How does Atorvastatin work?
This medicine helps lower cholesterol by slowing down the body's production of it. Lower cholesterol means less buildup in the arteries, which reduces the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attack or stroke.
How does one know if Atorvastatin is working?
The benefit of Atorvastatin is typically evaluated through blood tests that measure lipid levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Reduction in LDL cholesterol is the primary indicator of its effectiveness. Additionally, clinical outcomes like reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events are used to assess long-term benefits. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures the medication is achieving the desired effects.
Is Atorvastatin effective?
Evidence supporting the effectiveness of Azelnidipine comes from clinical studies that show it effectively lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of blood vessels, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Azelnidipine can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, helping manage hypertension and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
What is Atorvastatin used for?
**What is Atorvastatin used for?** Atorvastatin helps lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease or at risk for developing heart disease, such as those with: - **High cholesterol:** Atorvastatin decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. This reduces the buildup of cholesterol in arteries, which can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack or stroke. - **Inherited high cholesterol (familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia):** In children and teenagers, atorvastatin can lower cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. This condition makes it difficult for the body to remove cholesterol, which can lead to heart problems later in life. **How does Atorvastatin work?** Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme that is involved in making cholesterol in the body. By blocking this enzyme, it reduces the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Directions for Use
How do I take Atorvastatin?
Take atorvastatin once a day at the same time each day to keep your cholesterol levels stable. You can take it with or without food. If it makes you feel sick, try taking it after eating. If you're unsure when to take it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does it take for Atorvastatin to start working?
Atorvastatin tablets are a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It takes about 2 weeks for the medication to start working effectively in reducing cholesterol levels. During this time, the medication gradually builds up in the body and begins to block the production of cholesterol.
How should I dispose of Atorvastatin?
Unused medications should be disposed of properly. Flushing them down the toilet is not recommended. To get rid of them safely, check with your pharmacy or local waste management department about medicine take-back programs in your area. This helps prevent people and animals from accidentally ingesting these medications.
How should I store Atorvastatin?
It should be kept in a cool place between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Avoid extreme temperatures like heat or freezing, which can damage the medicine. Discard any unused medicine or medicine that has passed its expiration date, as it may no longer be effective or safe to take. Keep the medicine in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Store the medicine in its original container with the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture or air from getting in.
What are the consequences to stopping Atorvastatin?
If you stop taking atorvastatin, your cholesterol levels may go back up, which could lead to heart attacks or strokes. It's important to find another way to lower your cholesterol before stopping this medication.
What is Atorvastatin’s dose and duration?
Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol. The daily dose varies from 10mg to 80mg and is determined by your cholesterol levels, why you're taking it, and other medications you're taking. It's taken once daily at the same time each day with water. Swallow the tablets whole, or if given chewable tablets, you can chew them or swallow them whole with water.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Atorvastatin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if you forget until the next day, don't take the missed dose. Just take the next one as usual.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Atorvastatin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Some breastfeeding mothers may safely take atorvastatin, a medication that helps lower cholesterol. However, your doctor may recommend you stop taking it until you are no longer breastfeeding. When you take atorvastatin, it passes into your breast milk in small amounts. Studies have not found serious risks to babies whose mothers take atorvastatin while breastfeeding. However, some doctors may be cautious because: Atorvastatin can slow the production of cholesterol, which is essential for brain development in infants.
Can Atorvastatin be taken safely while pregnant?
Atorvastatin is not recommended during pregnancy. It may harm the fetus. The fetus is the developing baby in a pregnant woman's womb. Atorvastatin can cross the placenta, which is the organ that connects the mother's bloodstream to the fetus's bloodstream. When Atorvastatin crosses the placenta, it can reach the fetus and affect its development. Studies have shown that Atorvastatin may cause birth defects and other problems in the fetus. If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about other options for lowering your cholesterol.
Can Atorvastatin be taken safely while trying to conceive?
Women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant should not take atorvastatin. Atorvastatin can harm the baby if a pregnant woman takes it. If you are taking atorvastatin and become pregnant, stop taking it and tell your doctor right away. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant. There are other cholesterol medicines that are safer to take during pregnancy.
Can I take Atorvastatin with other prescription drugs?
Atorvastatin interacts with several drugs, including cyclosporine, certain antibiotics (like clarithromycin), antifungals (like ketoconazole), fibrates (like gemfibrozil), and warfarin. These interactions can increase atorvastatin levels, raising the risk of side effects like muscle damage or bleeding. Always consult a doctor before combining atorvastatin with other medications.
Can I take Atorvastatin with vitamins or supplements?
Atorvastatin can interact with certain vitamins and supplements. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided as they can increase atorvastatin levels, raising the risk of side effects like muscle damage. High-dose niacin (vitamin B3) may also increase the risk of muscle problems. Additionally, supplements containing red yeast rice (which contains a statin-like substance) can amplify atorvastatin's effects, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Always consult a doctor before taking supplements with atorvastatin.
What are Atorvastatin possible harms and risks?
Common side effects of Atorvastatin include headache, muscle pain, nausea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Significant adverse effects may include muscle damage (myopathy), liver enzyme abnormalities, and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney damage. Some people may also experience an increased risk of diabetes or cognitive issues. Regular monitoring is recommended to detect any serious side effects.
Who should avoid taking Atorvastatin?
You should not take atorvastatin if you have or have had liver disease. Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily can increase your risk of liver problems. If you are over 65, have ever had liver disease, or have muscle aches or weakness, seizures, low blood pressure, or thyroid or kidney disease, tell your doctor. Women should not take atorvastatin if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can harm the baby.
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