Atorvastatin Tablet: How to Consume It and What are Its Side Effects?

Atorvastatin is a prescription drug that belongs to the group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins [1]. Doctors usually prescribe this medicine if you have high cholesterol. It works by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. It is also given to prevent heart attacks and stroke. If you have a family history of heart disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, or arthritis, you may have to consume this medicine [2].

This drug, which is used for improving different types of cholesterol, can also be a part of combination therapy. It means you may have to take it along with other medications. In India, around 25-30% of the urban population has high cholesterol [3]. So, atorvastatin proves to be useful as it prevents the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. However, there are some atorvastatin side effects that you should know. Read on to learn more! 

Additional Read: High Cholesterol Diseases: What are the Types and How to Manage Them? 

Atorvastatin tablet side effects 

It may cause a few common side effects. Here is a list of atorvastatin side effects: 

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough 
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Joint pain
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Sore throat
• Constipation
• Forgetfulness
• Back and joint pain
• Pain in arms and legs
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) 

In some cases, a person may experience some serious side effects that may require immediate medical care: 

• Cough 
• Tiredness 
• Yellow skin 
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Allergic reaction
• Dark color of urine
• Shortness of breath
• Severe stomach pain
• Whites of eyes turning yellow
• Skin rash, especially on palms and soles
• Muscle aches and weakness 

Atorvastatin interactions with other medications 

Several medications, vitamins, and supplements can interact with your atorvastatin intake and cause problems.  

• This medicine along with antibiotics can increase the risk of muscle problems 
• Consuming it along with certain drugs to treat fungal infections may lead to a buildup of atorvastatin in your body 
• Other medications used for lowering cholesterol can interact and cause muscle problems 
• Intake of this drug along with HIV medicines may cause an atorvastatin buildup in your body 
• Taking birth control pills along with this medicine may raise oral contraceptive hormones in the blood
• Other drugs such as heart medicines, drugs to treat hepatitis C, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection can also interfere and cause health problems 

Atorvastatin tablet dosage 

This medicine is prescribed to adults and children above the age of 10 years. However, individuals with following conditions should avoid it. 

• Allergic reactions 
• Kidney problems 
• Lung disease 
• Underactive thyroid 
• Muscular disorders  

It is usually taken once a day at a certain time. Your doctor will advise you about the dosage and the specific time to consume atorvastatin. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice. This drug can be taken with or without food as it does not upset your stomach. You can swallow the tablet with a glass of water or chew it if you are taking chewable tablets. 

The medicine is available as atorvastatin 10mg, atorvastatin 20mg, atorvastatin 40mg, and atorvastatin 80mg. For adults, the usual dose is between 10mg and 80mg per day. For children, it varies between 10mg to 20mg a day. Your doctor may consider certain factors before prescribing the right dosage:  

• Age 
• Cholesterol levels
• Intake of other medications, if any  

Things to consider when taking atorvastatin tablet

Consider the following before taking this medicine: 

• Take the tablet directly without cutting or crushing it
• Place atorvastatin at a room temperature
• Take the medicine along when you travel
• Get your cholesterol levels and liver function monitored during the course of treatment with this drug
• Eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet when you are undergoing this treatment 

Do not consume atorvastatin tablets under these conditions: 

• If you are allergic 
• If you are pregnant 
• If you have liver disease.  
• If you have thyroid disorders
• If you are diabetic
• If you drink excess alcohol
• If you have kidney disease 

Additional Read: What is Good Cholesterol and How Does it Differ From Bad Cholesterol? 

If you are worried about how to lower cholesterol, take atorvastatin with your doctor’s advice. For the correct diagnosis of illnesses and to avail the right treatment, book an online doctor consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. Here, you can consult the best doctors near you and also book a lab test of your choice. Start prioritizing your health without delay!