Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also known as Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium. This drug belongs to the category of statins and it works by blocking the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in your body. Statins are generally used to lower high blood lipid levels, especially LDL (low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. They come with several side effects but when combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, these can be managed quite well.
Atorvastatin comes as an oral tablet that you have to take once every day. Read on to know more about Atorvastatin Oral Tablet, its common side effects, and how to take it correctly:
What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a drug belonging to the category of cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. It can be used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood by blocking an enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in your body. This is generally used to lower high blood lipid levels, especially LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Atorvastatin is also known as Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium.
How does Atorvastatin Work?
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is generally used to lower high blood lipid levels, especially LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It works by blocking the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in your body.
When you take a statin, it prevents your body from making cholesterol by blocking an important enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. HMG-CoA reductase is responsible for making cholesterol in your body. By blocking this enzyme, statins reduce the amount of cholesterol in your body, which in turn helps reduce your risk of heart disease.
How to Take Atorvastatin Correctly?
Take this drug as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is used in combination with healthy diet and lifestyle. It is generally advised to take this drug with a glass of water and without food. This drug is best taken with a meal. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take this medication correctly. This drug can be taken by people of all ages. However, children below 10 years of age should not be given this drug due to the risk of side effects
Common side effects include– Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, headache, vomiting, skin rash, dizziness, swelling in your ankles, increased levels of creatinine in blood, high blood sugar, muscle weakness, itching, hair loss, joint pain, blurred vision, sexual problems in men, cough, congestion in your nose, change in the colour of your nails.
Heart related risks– Muscle damage, high blood pressure, change in heartbeat, arrhythmia, liver damage, muscle weakness, joint pain, hair loss, sexual problems in men, swelling in ankles, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, heart attack, and stroke.
Conclusion: All About Atorvastatin Oral Tablet
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is used to reduce the risk of heart disease in people who have high cholesterol. It works by blocking the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in your body. This drug comes with several side effects but when combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, these can be managed quite well. This drug can be taken by people of all ages. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take this medication correctly.