Atorvastatin

Lipid-Lowering Agent — Statin

Nigerian brand names:LipitorAtorvaTonactAztor

Reviewed by the PMC Medical Team · Promise Medical Centre

Overview

Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for producing cholesterol. Lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the need for heart surgery. It is one of the most widely prescribed medicines worldwide and is on the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Uses

Atorvastatin is used to: - Lower high LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol - Raise HDL (good) cholesterol - Lower high triglyceride levels - Prevent cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or multiple risk factors - Reduce the risk of chest pain (angina) in people with heart disease - Treat inherited forms of high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolaemia)

How to Use

Take atorvastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily. Dosage: Typically 10–80 mg once daily. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. - Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food - Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush or chew - Take it at the same time each day to help remember - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due, skip the missed dose — do not double up Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management, quitting smoking) are essential companions to atorvastatin — the medication works best alongside them.

Side Effects

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): - Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — report these to your doctor promptly - Headache - Nausea or stomach upset - Diarrhoea or constipation - Joint pain Serious side effects (rare — stop and see a doctor immediately): - Severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) — dark/brown urine, severe muscle pain, weakness - Liver problems — yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, upper right abdominal pain - Memory problems or confusion (very rare, reversible) - Elevated blood sugar (relevant for people with or at risk of diabetes)

Warnings & Precautions

Do not take atorvastatin if you: - Are pregnant or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby. Use effective contraception while taking it - Have active liver disease or persistently elevated liver enzymes - Are allergic to atorvastatin or any statin Important warnings: - Muscle problems: Tell your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine — this could indicate a rare but serious condition (rhabdomyolysis) that can damage the kidneys - Liver monitoring: Your doctor may check liver function blood tests before and during treatment - Grapefruit juice: Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin — it can increase the amount of drug in your blood and raise the risk of side effects - Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use increases risk of liver problems — limit alcohol consumption - Surgery: Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist that you take atorvastatin before any planned surgery Do not stop atorvastatin without discussing it with your doctor, even if you feel well — cholesterol remains elevated if treatment is stopped.

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Drug Interactions

Important interactions: - Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate): Increased risk of muscle damage when combined — use with caution - Niacin (high-dose): Raises risk of muscle side effects - Cyclosporine, tacrolimus (immunosuppressants): Significantly increase atorvastatin blood levels - Clarithromycin, erythromycin (antibiotics): Increase statin levels — dose adjustment may be needed - Some HIV medicines (protease inhibitors): Can increase atorvastatin levels dangerously - Antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole): Increase statin concentration in blood - Warfarin (blood thinner): Atorvastatin may increase anticoagulant effect — INR should be monitored - Colchicine: Combination may increase risk of muscle problems - Digoxin: Atorvastatin may slightly raise digoxin levels Always tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take.

Storage

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Buy only NAFDAC-registered medications

Nigeria has a significant problem with counterfeit and substandard drugs. Always purchase medications from a licensed pharmacy and check the NAFDAC registration number on the package — verify at nafdac.gov.ng.