Atorvastatin is a drug to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. If cholesterol in the blood is maintained at normal levels, the risk of stroke and heart attack will be lower.
Atorvastatin lowers the amount of cholesterol in the body by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. Thus, the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood will decrease.
Treatment with atorvastatin must be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, adjusting your diet, maintaining an ideal body weight, and quitting smoking. This is done to get the best treatment results. Atorvastatin trademarks: Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate, Carduo, Genlipid 20, Stavinor 10
What is Atorvastatin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Statins for lowering cholesterol |
| Benefit | Lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke |
| Consumed by | Adults and children (above 10 years) |
| Atorvastatin for pregnant and lactating women | Category X:Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether Atorvastatin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets, film-coated caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using atorvastatin:
- Do not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with atorvastatin, as it can increase triglyceride levels and increase the risk of liver damage.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, muscle disorders, such as rhabdomyolysis.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using atorvastatin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin should be used according to a doctor's prescription. The following are the doses of atorvastatin based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: High cholesterol and dyslipidemia
Adults and seniors
- Initial dose: 10–20 mg once daily. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's body response to treatment within 2-4 weeks.
- Follow-up dose: dose may be increased to 40 mg once daily.
- Maximum dose: 80 mg per day.
Children
- Initial dose: 10 mg once daily. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's body response to treatment within 4 weeks.
- Follow-up dose: 10–20 mg once daily.
Condition: Cardiovascular disease
Mature
- 10 mg per day. The dose can be increased according to the patient's condition.
How to Take Atorvastatin Correctly
Always follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking atorvastatin.
Swallow the atorvastatin tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Atorvastatin can be taken after or before meals. Do not crush or split atorvastatin tablets as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Try to take atorvastatin at the same time each day. If you forget to take atorvastatin, take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Complete the prescribed dose and do not stop taking atorvastatin without your doctor's permission even if you feel better. This aims to prevent the possibility of symptoms reappearing.
Store atorvastatin at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep atorvastatin out of reach of children.
Interactions of Atorvastatin with Other Drugs
The use of atorvastatin together with other drugs can cause several interactions, namely:
- Increased risk of muscle disorders (myopathy) and rhabdomyolysis when used with ciclosporin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, verapamil, diltiazem, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, ezetimibe, niacin, colchicine, fusidic acid, or ritonavir
- Lowers levels of atorvastatin in the body when used with rifampicin, efavirenz, phenytoin, antacids, or colestiol
- Increases blood levels of digoxin and oral contraceptives, such as norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol
Side Effects and Dangers of Atorvastatin
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking atorvastatin:
- Back pain or joint pain
- Sore throat
- Stomach acid disease
- Nasal congestion
- Diarrhea
- bloating
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or any of the following serious side effects:
- Liver disorders, which are characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Kidney disorders, which are characterized by little urination, swelling in the ankles, and shortness of breath
- Muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, or muscle tenderness
- Dizziness, fever, unnatural tiredness and weakness
- Fast heart rate