Lipitor ( Atrovostatin ) is from a class of pharmaceutical agents to lower cholesterol levels in people with or at risk of cardiovascular diseases. They lower cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Inhibition of this enzyme in the liver stimulates LDL receptors, resulting in an increased clearance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the bloodstream and a decrease in blood cholesterol levels. The first results can be seen after one week of use and the effect is maximal after four to six weeks.

Cholesterol metabolism:

Most circulating cholesterol is manufactured internally through the HMG-CoA reductase pathway. Cholesterol, both from dietary intake and secreted into the duodenum as bile from the liver, is typically absorbed at a rate of 50% by the small intestines.

Cholesterol is not water-soluble, and is therefore carried in the blood in the form of lipoproteins, the type being determined by the apoprotein, a protein coating that acts as an emulsifier. The relative balance between these lipoproteins is determined by various factors, including genetics, diet, and insulin resistance. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) carry cholesterol toward tissues, and elevated levels of these lipoproteins are associated with atheroma formation (fat-containing deposits in the arterial wall) and cardiovascular disease. High density lipoprotein, in contrast, carries cholesterol back to the liver and is associated with protection against cardiovascular disease.

Lipitor( Statins) act by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the first committed enzyme of the HMG-CoA reductase pathway. By reducing intracellular cholesterol levels, they cause liver cells to make more LDL receptors, leading to increased clearance of low-density lipoprotein from the bloodstream. Lipitor is the most potent cholesterol-lowering agents available, lower LDL cholesterol (so-called "bad cholesterol") by 3050%. However, they have less effect in raising HDL-cholesterol ("good cholesterol"). Lipitor is recommended for patients who do not meet their lipid-lowering goals through diet and lifestyle approaches.

Indications of Lipitor:

It plays an important role in both the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

Adverse effectsof Lipitor:

Lipitor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.
Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, under active thyroid, kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder.Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Lipitor.

Learn more about this author, Hari Kasi.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How does Lipitor lower cholesterol levels??
We want to hear your view. Write now!