What is Atorvastatin for ?
It is used to stop heart attacks. - It is used to stop strokes. - It is used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body. - Good cholesterol (HDL) levels rise. - It is used to lower triglycerides. - It is used to slow the progress of heart disease.
How does Atorvastatin work ?
Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme that is required for production of cholesterol.
How should Atorvastatin be used ?
Take Atorvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. - You may take Atorvastatin with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. - Atorvastatin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. - Continue taking Atorvastatin even if there are signs of improvement. - Do not stop taking Atorvastatin unless instructed by the doctor.
Common side effects of Atorvastatin ?
Headache, Belly pain, Loose stools (diarrhea), Muscle weakness, Joint pain.
What do I do if I miss a dose ?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. - Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. - Do not change the dose or stop this drug. - Talk with the doctor.
What precautions should I take when taking Atorvastatin ?
Do not take Atorvastatin if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. - If you become pregnant while being treated with Atorvastatin, alert your doctor immediately. - Atorvastatin may cause harm to your unborn child. - You must use proven birth control methods while taking Atorvastatin and for at least 1 month after stopping Atorvastatin. - Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Atorvastatin. - Alert your doctor if you suffer from liver disease or if you previously had a stroke. - Inform your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
When do I need to seek medical help ?
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. - Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. - These include wheezing, chest tightness, fever, itching, bad cough, blue or gray skin color, seizures, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. - Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar. - Very bad dizziness. - Trouble breathing. - Feeling cold. - Very bad belly pain. - Very upset stomach or throwing up. - Very loose stools (diarrhea). - A big weight loss. - Very bad muscle pain or weakness. - Feeling very tired or weak. - Any rash. - Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Atorvastatin with other medicines ?
Atorvastatin should not be taken at the same time as cholestyramine. - Cholestyramine reduces the effectiveness of Atorvastatin when taken at the same time. - If you are taking cholestyramine, take it at least 4 hours after you have taken Atorvastatin. - Alert your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: - heart medicines such as diltiazem or digoxin. - Other cholesterol-lowering medicines such as gemfibrozil or nicotinic acid. - Antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin. - Antifungals such as itraconazole. - Birth control pills. - Other medicines such as ciclosporin, nefazodone, rifampicin. - A herbal or food supplement called red yeast rice. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
How do I store Atorvastatin ?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category ?
Category X : Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities andor there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Therapeutic Classification ?
Dyslipidaemic Agents.