How does Lipitor work?

Lipitor reduces the levels of cholesterol in our body naturally by blocking an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the formation of cholesterol in our bodies.

How to take Lipitor.

Generally a patient begins with a 10 mg dose on a daily basis. The medical practitioner will be the better judge of the dosage of the drug based on your condition, and it may vary from 10 mg-80 mg per day. It can be consumed at any time during the day and can be consumed on an empty stomach. The dosage should not be changed without consulting with your doctor.

Side Effects.

This drug doesn't usually cause any severe side effects. Studies have shown that the most usual side effects that may be observed in patients can be constipation, indigestion, flatulence or abdominal pain, infection, rhinitis, myalgia, diarrhea, arthralgia, rashes, asthenia, back pain, flu, allergic reactions, dyspepsia, pharyngitis, elevated liver transaminases.

Your doctor may take regular blood tests to keep a check on your liver function if such side effects both before and after the treatment occur. You should make sure that you keep your doctor well aware of any such reactions that you may experience during the consumption of Lipitor.

Some of the adverse side effects may be myopathy, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis. If you feel any muscle weakness, pain or tenderness along with discomfort and fever, these could be symptoms of severe or adverse effects. It is important to consult your doctor immediately upon visibility of any such symptoms.

Precautions and Interactions.

Patients who have liver dysfunction or diseases, women who are either pregnant or expecting or breast-feeding and those who may be allergic to the drug's ingredients should completely avoid consumption of this drug. If a woman conceives while being on this drug, the medication should be stopped. During the entire treatment while you are consuming Lipitor you must refrain from intake of alcohol. Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels and can cause damage to patient's liver.

Lipitor is not advisable to be taken along with antifungals, amiodarone, clarithromycins, conivaptan, cyclosporine, danazol, delavirdine, diltiazem, erythromycins, ezetimbe, fabric acid derivatives, nefazodone, niacin, protease inhibitors, quinupristin, ranolazine, rifampins, telbivudine, telithromycin, verapamils. If you are consuming any of these drugs as a part of treatment of any other ailment you must consult with your doctor regarding the suitability of consumption of Lipitor along with them. There may be other medications that are unsuitable to be consumed along with Lipitor, you must consult with your doctor.

Proper Dosage.

The proper dosage of Lipitor is one tablet a day. It can range from a 10 mg to 80 mg dose depending on your conditions. A doctor would prescribe a suitable dose.

Overdose.

In case you overdose or miss the consumption of Lipitor you must seek advice from a medical practitioner. However, an overdose does not threaten severe adverse effects.

Storage.

This drug should be stored in a cold and dry place kept away from high temperatures, pressures and moisture.