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Atorvastatin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Atorvastatin Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Atorvastatin-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Atorvastatin brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Atorvastatin
Pronunciation : Attah-var-state-in
ICD Code : Y52.6 Therapeutic Classification : Antilipemics

Brand Names or Trade Names of Atorvastatin

India :

International :


Lipitor

Why is Atorvastatin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as "statin”, prescribed for hyperlipidemia.

When should Atorvastatin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with severe liver problems, who are taking HIV protease inhibitors, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Atorvastatin?

Adult PO- Initial- The recommended dose is 10 mg daily. Maximum: 80 mg/day.

How should Atorvastatin be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Atorvastatin?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of low blood pressure, serious infection, seizures, electrolyte problems, liver problems, alcohol abuse, any allergy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Follow the diet and exercise program as directed by your physician.

• Monitor blood cholesterol level and liver functions regularly while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Atorvastatin?

Most Common - Nose inflammation, joint pain, diarrhea, pain in extremity, urinary tract infection, indigestion, nausea, muscle and bone pain, muscle spasms, sleeplessness and throat pain.
Body as a whole - Uneasiness and fever.
Gastrointestinal - Abdominal discomfort, eructation, flatulence, liver inflammation and bile obstruction.
Musculoskeletal - Muscle fatigue, neck pain and joint swelling.
Metabolic - Increase in liver enzymes level, abnormal liver function tests and increased sugar level.
Central Nervous system - Dizziness, depression, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy and abnormal dreams.
Respiratory - Nose bleed.
Skin - Hives.
Eye and ENT - Blurred vision and ringing in the ear.
Genitourinary - Urinary tract infection.
Musculoskeletal- Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).

What are the other precautions for Atorvastatin?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Atorvastatin?

Store it at room temperature (25°C).

Atorvastatin: Know More About The Cholesterol Lowering Drug

Atorvastatin : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who should avoid taking Atorvastatin?

A: Atorvastatin is not recommended for patients with  hypersensitivity to the drug, acute liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis(1 Trusted Source
Atorvastatin

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).

Q: Is Atorvastatin safe during pregnancy?

A: Atorvastatin is not recommended during pregnancy or in women who may become pregnant. Statins are not recommended during pregnancy due to the increased risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus(2 Trusted Source
Statin use during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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).

Q: Does Atorvastatin have any dietary restrictions?

A: Avoid grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin, as it significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin. Concurrent use of atorvastatin and st john's wort may reduce atorvastatin effectiveness(3 Trusted Source
Effects of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin and pravastatin in Japanese

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).

Q: Is it better to take Atorvastatin at night or morning?

A: It is usually taken once a day, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. It is better to take atorvastatin around the same time every day(4 Trusted Source
Atorvastatin

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).

Q: Is it safe to take Atorvastatin for long term?

A: The long term use of atorvastatin is safe and effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor(5 Trusted Source
Long-term efficacy and safety of a generic atorvastatin in usual clinical care setting

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).



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