About Lipitor

Lipitor is a prescription drug which effectively inhibits cholesterol production within the body. This result is achieved by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol within the bloodstream.

Uses or Indications

Lipitor is primarily used as treatment for patients with high cholesterol levels. It is also used in lowering the risks of cardiac arrest, angina, stroke, and other heart function problems in patients who are already diagnosed with either type II diabetes or coronary heart disease.

How to take Lipitor

Lipitor is available in tablet form for oral ingestion. Take the medication under strict observance of the doctor`s instructions. The normal intake frequency is once a day, and with or without prior food intake; to obtain the most benefit from each dose, Lipitor should be taken at roughly the same time frame every day. The physician may initially give the user a low dose prescription, gradually increasing it as necessary. Patients are advised to maintain intake as directed by a doctor, even if symptoms of the treated disease are not currently present.

Side Effects

If the user experiences an allergic reaction or any of the following as a result of Lipitor intake, discontinue use and seek medical help: a dark-colored urine, muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, or indications of flu. In the presence of the following side effects, maintain intake and consult with a physician: an itchy skin rash; nausea and stomach upset; a stuffy nose; gas, bloating, and constipation; and muscle pain.

Drug Precautions

Potential users of Lipitor should inform a physician beforehand if they have the following conditions before intake: liver or chronic muscular disease, blood disorders, or if the patient is advised to undergo a major surgery. Such individuals may be prohibited from taking Lipitor due to health consequences, or a dose adjustment and focused monitoring while under treatment is set in place. Lipitor is proven to cause birth defects on an unborn child when taking during conception. While it is not known if it is passed on to breast milk, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consult a physician before taking Lipitor, since the unborn or breastfeeding child may be at a health risk.

Drug Interaction

There is an extensive list of medications which can interact with Lipitor, including, but not confined to: antifungal drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole; medications which have a side effect of weakening the immune system, like sirolimus, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, steroids, and cancer medications; niacin; erythromycin and clarithromycin; digoxin; clofibrate, and gemfibrozil and fenofibrate.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, provided that the next scheduled intake is not too near as to cause a double dose; otherwise, skip the missed intake and follow the dosing schedule.

Overdose

If an excessive intake of Lipitor is suspected, get immediate medical help. At present, the specific indications of an overdose of the medication are unknown.

Storage

Store Lipitor in tightly-sealed containers, within normal room temperature, and away from excessive heat and moisture.