Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
What is Lipitor?
Lipitor primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia, according to Frederickson Type IIa), combined (mixed) hyperlipidaemia (Frederickson Types of IIb and III), dysbetalipoproteinemia (Frederickson Type III) (as a supplement to the diet), familial endogenous hypertriglyceridemia (Frederickson type IV) resistant to dietary treatments; homozygous hereditary hypercholesterolemia (in addition to lipid-lowering therapy, including autologous purified from blood LDL); diseases of the CAS against the background of dyslipidemia, secondary prevention to reduce the overall risk of death, myocardial infarction, and rehospitalization for angina.
Lipitor is used to reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol),
total cholesterol, triglycerides (another kind of fat) and apolipoprotein B (a
protein engaged in cholesterol production). The drug is also used to increase
blood levels of HDL (good cholesterol). This is necessary to reduce the risk of
hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and peripheral
vascular disease.
Drug description
Lipitor belongs to the group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or
statins. This medicine is generally applied when non-medicinal ways to reduce
cholesterol levels (e.g., change of diet, weight loss in overweight patients)
have not been quite successful. Reducing cholesterol levels can help in
preventing a heart attack. The medication is used in adults and children (10
years and older). The young girls need to go through their first menstrual
period before starting this medication. The drug can be used in other cases not
mentioned in this guide.
How to use Lipitor?
Lipitor is taken at any time of day, regardless of the meal. The initial dose is
10mg 1 time per day. Change the dose at intervals of not less than 4 weeks. The
maximal daily dose is 80mg in 1 reception. In primary hypercholesterolemia and
combined (mixed) hyperlipidaemia a dose of 10mg is administered once a day. The
effect is manifested within 2 weeks, the maximal effect observed within 4 weeks.
For the patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, this drug is
prescribed at 80mg once daily (reduction of LDL by 18-45%). Before the therapy
the patient must be assigned a default hypocholesterolemic diet to which he or
she must comply during the treatment.
Safety Precautions
Alcohol and Lipitor have damaging effect on the liver when combined. Every patient on Lipitor therapy should observe moderation in alcohol consumption. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of alcohol drinking in order to identify possible liver problems. The drug may interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. The interaction could lead to dangerous consequences. Discuss with your doctor the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Do not increase or decrease the content of grapefruit in your diet without consulting your doctor.