Table of Contents
How does Lipitor work in the body?
Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as “statins.” It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
What are the worst side effects of Lipitor?
Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Lipitor including:
- muscle wasting and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis),
- confusion or memory problems,
- fever,
- dark urine,
- increased thirst or hunger,
- drowsiness,
- loss of appetite, or.
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
How fast does Lipitor work to lower cholesterol?
Lipitor can be taken with or without food. It is quickly absorbed, reaching its peak concentration in the blood within about two hours. 1 Lipitor starts to lower cholesterol within about two weeks of starting the medication.
Can Lipitor affect your eyes?
Conclusion: All statins were associated with ocular side effects, with atorvastatin showed a higher incidence of ocular side effects in conjunction with muscle and liver problems.
Can you eat oranges if you take Lipitor?
For example, you might need to stop taking lovastatin, atorvastatin, or simvastatin, but you might be able to take fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin to lower your cholesterol. If you have doubts or questions, talk to your doctor about the risks of mixing medications and grapefruit.
How effective is Lipitor for lowering cholesterol?
Lipitor is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. 5.
What happens if you drink alcohol while on Lipitor?
With those enzymes inhibited, that leaves higher doses of Lipitor remaining in your bloodstream, which could lead to more significant side effects. Other than grapefruit, alcohol can increase the potential liver damage and fatty foods will affect how well the medication works. Can Lipitor cause weight gain?
How long does it take for Lipitor to work?
Peak levels are seen within one to two hours following administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before improvements in your cholesterol level are seen, and up to four weeks before the maximal cholesterol-lowering effects of Lipitor are apparent.
What type of drug is Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a statin medication, otherwise known as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Lipitor gradually decreases the amount of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides.