by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: November 11, 2010

Atorvastatin is a medication prescribed to reduce blood cholesterol and heart attacks. It is a statin class drug. In addition it is used along with a comprehensive life style modification regime (weight loss, exercise and proper diet).

How Atorvastatin works?

This drug inhibits an enzyme called HMG CoA Reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol production in the body. Cholesterol is responsible for heart attacks, strokes and various other problems associated with blood vessels in the body. So blood cholesterol reduction is necessary to prevent and treat above problems.

What the doctor should know before writing a prescription?

Before writing the prescription, patient’s complete medical and drug history is important to the doctor. In addition the doctor should know whether the patient is currently having any liver problems, had any liver problems in the past or whether he/she has a family history of chronic liver diseases. In addition your doctor may test your blood samples to detect any undiagnosed problems in the liver. Blood tests will be done in the future to see whether your liver is coping well. In addition the doctor must know whether the patient is taking excessive alcoholic beverages.

The doctor should also know whether the patient is pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding.

What are the precautions you need to follow?

You must minimize harmful use of alcohol. It is because this drug can harm your liver. If you take excessive alcohol, it can destroy your liver and you may end up having cirrhosis.

In addition this medication can harm your unborn baby, so inform your doctor if you happen to get pregnant while on this drug.

If you are planning to have surgery (including dental procedures), tell the surgeon or anesthetist that you use Atorvastatin.

In addition you must take low cholesterol and low fat diet. Taking high fat diet along with this medication will not improve your health.

What are the dangerous side effects?

Atorvastatin can cause muscle breakdown. So if you get muscle pain, weakness or tenderness then inform your doctor right away.

In addition you must be able to identify signs of early liver damage. So if you get loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting or excessive tiredness, yellowish discoloration of the body or lack of energy then you must consult your doctor.

What are the common but less serious side effects?

This medication can cause abdominal bloating. In addition constipation is common. Some patients may get dizzy with this drug. Other common side effects are headache and joint pains.

Summary

Atorvastatin is a statin drug prescribed to control blood cholesterol. However, it can cause liver damage and muscle damage. In addition it should not be used in pregnancy.

Sources

AHFS Drug information

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