Atorvastatin
General English name: Atorvastatin
Brand: Lipitor
Application: Reduces cholesterol and other fats to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Pharmacological forms of atorvastatin
Atorvastatin Drug Information
Dosage and method of taking atorvastatin
Contraindications to the use of atorvastatin
Atorvastatin during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of atorvastatin on driving and working with machines
Atorvastatin drug interactions
Special warnings and precautions while taking atorvastatin
Side effects of atorvastatin
Atorvastatin overdose (drug poisoning)
Pharmacological forms of atorvastatin
Pills, chewable tablets
Atorvastatin Drug Information
Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called statins (or HMG-COA reductase). These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the body; They do this by blocking the action of a specific enzyme needed to make cholesterol. As a result, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced. Some people are at risk for heart disease, and while their cholesterol levels are normal, atorvastatin can reduce their risk.
Lipids or fats can be easily stored in your body and act as an energy source. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is made in your liver by the fatty foods you eat. When the concentration of cholesterol in your blood is high, it is called an increase in blood cholesterol. Although high blood cholesterol does not make you feel sick, it can be a problem if left untreated.
Elevated blood cholesterol can cause small pieces of fat called atheroma to form. This piece of fat becomes larger when excess fat builds up on the walls of blood vessels. Over time, atheroma can cause narrowing of blood vessels and hardening of the arteries (sometimes called "hardening of the arteries"). This atherosclerosis reduces blood flow through the arteries and increases the risk of a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dosage and method of taking atorvastatin
Carefully read the package leaflet before starting treatment with atorvastatin. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
The dose and amount of atorvastatin varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised.
Take the medicine regularly and at a set time.
Atorvastatin is also available in two forms, simple and chewable tablets, which you can either take with water or chew. Take the medicine with food.
If you forget to take your daily dose at the right time but soon forget, take the medicine; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of atorvastatin
Note the expiration date of atorvastatin and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
Never give atorvastatin to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
Check for drug interactions, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this medication, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Atorvastatin during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily and without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.
The effect of atorvastatin on driving and working with machines
Atorvastatin may make you dizzy or drowsy, make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Atorvastatin drug interactions
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with atorvastatin include gemfibrozil, telaprevir, tipranavir, and ritonavir.
Other drugs that can remove atorvastatin from your body and affect how atorvastatin works include colchicine, telithromycin, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), ketoconazole, and ketoconazole. , Posaconazole (posaconazole)).
When using atorvastatin, do not use any red yeast rice products, as red yeast rice products may contain a type of statin called lovastatin. Note that taking atorvastatin with products Red rice yeast can increase the risk of muscle and liver problems.
Special warnings and precautions while taking atorvastatin
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking atorvastatin:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
- If you have any liver problems or diseases.
- If you have unexplained pain or muscle problems.
- If you drink large amounts of alcohol regularly.
- If you have hypothyroidism.
- If you have had a stroke due to a brain hemorrhage in the past.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a drug.
Side effects of atorvastatin
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away after a short time of taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
Muscle pain, headache
Constipation, diarrhea
Feeling sick, indigestion, bloating, nosebleeds
Symptoms of colds such as runny nose and sneezing
Important Note: Atorvastatin is associated with more serious side effects in some people; Although this only rarely happens, tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- If you have any muscle cramps or pain, especially if you feel or feel pain in your legs, your body temperature is high (fever).
- If you feel short of breath or have an unexpected cough. This is because (in very rare cases), atorvastatin may cause a condition called interstitial lung disease.
- If you have any allergic reactions such as swelling around the mouth or face or itchy skin.
Atorvastatin overdose (drug poisoning)
Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel that someone has a drug poisoning and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or fainting (fainting), call the emergency room right away.
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.