LIPITOR 20mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is LIPITOR 20mg

LIPITOR 20mg is a prescription medicine that contains Atorvastatin, a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It works by lowering levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. LIPITOR 20mg is commonly prescribed to patients with hyperlipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, or individuals at high risk for heart disease, stroke, or diabetes-related complications.

• Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
• Therapeutic Uses: Hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, cardiovascular prevention
• Dosage Form: Oral tablet with film coating
• Strength: 20mg of atorvastatin per tablet

How to use LIPITOR 20mg

Use LIPITOR 20mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken once daily with or without food.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water
• Take at the same time each day for consistency
• Continue with a cholesterol-lowering diet and lifestyle program
• Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Regular monitoring of lipid levels and liver function may be necessary

Mode of Action LIPITOR 20mg

Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in LIPITOR 20mg, inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This inhibition leads to a decrease in cholesterol production, especially LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. The liver responds by increasing the uptake of circulating LDL, resulting in further reduction in blood cholesterol levels and improvement in lipid profiles.

• Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
• Lowers LDL and total cholesterol
• Reduces triglyceride levels
• Raises HDL (good cholesterol)

LIPITOR 20mg Interactions LIPITOR 20mg

LIPITOR may interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effect or increasing the risk of side effects.

• Grapefruit juice: May increase atorvastatin levels and risk of side effects
• Antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole): Increased risk of muscle toxicity
• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin): May enhance atorvastatin plasma concentrations
• Cyclosporine and protease inhibitors: Require dosage adjustment due to increased atorvastatin exposure
• Warfarin: May alter anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring

Dosage of LIPITOR 20mg

• Recommended starting dose for adults: 10–20 mg once daily
• LIPITOR 20mg may be used as a maintenance or adjusted dose
• Dose can be increased to a maximum of 80mg per day if needed
• Patients with hepatic or renal impairment require close monitoring

Possible side effects of LIPITOR 20mg

• Common: Muscle aches, joint pain, diarrhea, fatigue
• Less Common: Elevated liver enzymes, abdominal pain, headache
• Serious (Rare): Rhabdomyolysis, liver failure, hypersensitivity reactions
• Seek Immediate Help: If you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or signs of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of the skin or eyes)

LIPITOR 20mg Contraindications LIPITOR 20mg

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any inactive ingredients
• Active liver disease or persistent unexplained elevations in liver enzymes
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (statins should be avoided due to risk to fetus or infant)
• Severe hepatic impairment without specialist supervision

Storage of LIPITOR 20mg

• Store at room temperature (20°C–25°C or 68°F–77°F)
• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture and heat
• Do not expose to direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use past the expiration date printed on the package