Atorvastatin belongs to a family of medicines known as statins. Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol”, and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver. When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your arteries. This can lead to decreased blood flow. High LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
In this article, we will talk about atorvastatin in detail, when you should take it and other relevant information about atorvastatin that you might not know about.
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is a type of medication under the statins’ family (a group of medicines that lower bad cholesterol in the blood). Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol in people diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by taking atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin is also good for preventing stroke. It is usually called by the brand name Lipitor.
How does it work?
Atorvastatin works in 2 ways
- They inhibit an enzyme that your body needs to produce cholesterol.
- They may also help reduce plaque that has built up in your arteries. This plaque is made up of cholesterol.
Who can take atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin can be taken by adults and children over the age of 10 years.
Who is atorvastatin not suitable for?
- This medication is not good for people who have an allergic reaction to atorvastatin.
- People with underactive thyroid conditions.
- People suffering from muscle disorder or have had muscle disorder in the past cannot take atorvastatin
- If you have a liver or kidney problem, then this medication is not suitable for you either.
- People who are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid taking atorvastatin.
- Atorvastatin is not suitable for people with severe cases of lung disease
- If you have previously had a stroke caused by bleeding into the brain then atorvastatin is not good for you.
- Atorvastatin is not suitable for alcoholics
- Atorvastatin is not also suitable for people who have had muscular side effects when taking a statin in the past.
How to take atorvastatin
Atorvastatin can be taken once a day. You can choose to take it at any time, as long as you stick to the same time every day. Sometimes doctors may recommend taking it in the evening or at night.
This is because your body makes the most cholesterol at night. If you’re not sure when to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice.
Atorvastatin doesn’t upset the stomach, so you can take it with or without food. Make sure to swallow atorvastatin tablets whole with a glass of water.
If you’ve been given chewable tablets, you can chew them or swallow them whole with a glass of water.
When to take atorvastatin, morning or night?
Studies show that some of the newer statins can be just as effective when taken in the morning. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are more potent than older statins. They have half-lives of at least 14 hours.
So unlike most of the other statins, atorvastatin isn’t necessarily to be taken only at night but it can be taken at any time of the day. [source]
Dosage
The normal dosage for adults is between 10mg and 80mg a day. In children, the usual dose is 10mg to 20mg once a day. Your doctor will use your child’s age to work out the amount of atorvastatin that is good for them.
What happens if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take a dose, make sure to take your next dose the next day at the usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. it could be very dangerous.
Also, never take extra doses. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
What happens if I take too much atorvastatin?
Taking an extra dose of atorvastatin by accident is unlikely to harm you. However, overdosing on atorvastatin could be dangerous.
Health complications can occur if you overdose on atorvastatin. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried or take more than 1 extra dose.
What are the side effects of atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin can cause side effects in some people. Muscle aches and pains, weakness and tenderness are rare but serious side effects. This can happen a few weeks or months after you first start taking this medicine.
Common side effects of atorvastatin include
Indigestion, headaches, aches and pains in your back and joints, nosebleeds, diarrhoea, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, nosebleeds and constipation. If these side effects persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist so that they can recommend alternative medicine.
Serious side effects of atorvastatin include
Yellow skin, the whites of your eyes turning to yellow, dark urine, dark stool, skin rash, severe stomach pain, muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, cramps, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, etc.
In rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to atorvastatin.
How can I cope with the side effects of atorvastatin?
Here are some tips to cope with the side effects of atorvastatin.
Indigestion
Stick to simple meals and do not eat spicy food. It may help to take your atorvastatin after a meal or snack. If you continue to get symptoms of indigestion, ask your doctor to recommend an antacid.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking atorvastatin. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
Nosebleeds
Try applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the inside edges of your nose.
Back and joint pains
If you are suffering from unusual muscle pain, weakness or tiredness which is not a result of exercise, go for a physical examination. You may need a blood test to check what might be causing it.
Sore throat
Try gargling with warm salty water (this tip is not suitable for children). You can also use paracetamol to ease any pain or discomfort. Consult your doctor if the symptoms last longer than a week
Cold-like symptoms
Try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen regularly for a few days. If the symptoms return when you stop taking the painkillers, ask your doctor for advice.
Constipation
Eating foods with high fibre content such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals can help with constipation. Also, try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run.
Dehydration
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong pungent pee.
WRITTEN AND EDITED RESPECTIVELY BY:
Michael Sarfo
Michael Sarfo is a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon. He is a content creator for enochkabange.com and a writer for Wapomu
MPSGH, MRPharmS, MPhil.
Isaiah Amoo is a practicing community pharmacist in good standing with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana who has meaningful experience in academia and industrial pharmacy. He is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, England, UK and currently pursuing his overseas pharmacy assessment programme (MSc) at Aston University, UK. He had his MPhil degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He has about 5 years’ experience as a community Pharmacist and has also taught in academic institutions like KNUST, Kumasi Technical University, Royal Ann College of Health, and G-Health Consult. He likes to spend time reading medical research articles and loves sharing his knowledge with others.
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