Description
Atorvastatin Tablets – Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels. This medicine can help prevent medical problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, or stroke) caused by fat clogging blood vessels. It can also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel damage in patients with risk factors for heart problems. Atorvastatin is commonly used to lower blood cholesterol and blood fats and increase the level of good cholesterol in the body. Elevation of cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Mechanism of Atorvastatin Tablets
Atorvastatin calcium tablets are from a class of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Atorvastatin calcium slows the body’s production of cholesterol. It reduces the amount of cholesterol that can build up on artery walls and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Uses of Atorvastatin Tablets
Atorvastatin tablet primarily focuses on lowering blood cholesterol. Here are some of the more common uses and indications for atorvastatin tablets:
- Hypercholesterolemia: Atorvastatin is used to lower high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides in the blood. It is especially effective in treating familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol.
- Prevention of cardiovascular disease: Used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes in patients with high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.
- Dyslipidemia: Atorvastatin helps control abnormal lipid levels (high cholesterol and triglycerides) in people with dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by unhealthy levels of lipids in the blood.
- Atherosclerosis: By lowering cholesterol, atorvastatin can slow or reverse plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis), reducing the risk of complications such as coronary heart disease.
- Post-cardiac event: This may be prescribed to people who have had a heart attack or other cardiovascular event to prevent further complications.
Note: It is important to note that atorvastatin is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and possibly other medications to control cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. All medications should be taken as directed by your doctor for best results and to minimize potential side effects.
Side Effects
Common Atorvastatin side effects may include:
- Muscle pain
- Painful urination
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Kidney problems
- High blood sugar
- Nausea
Precautions
- Atorvastatin may cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. If any of these happen it is prescribed to take it with food
- If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly as it may cause an increase in your blood sugar level
- Do inform your healthcare professional if you have kidney, liver diseases, or diabetes before starting this medication
- Do not take Atorvastatin without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
