Atorvastatin

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin tablets are used to lower high cholesterol simply, quickly and effectively. They belong to a group of medicines known as statins. You take statins if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol, as they lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce the risk of heart disease, like strokes and heart attacks, in patients.

Atorvastin is a prescription only treatment, and comes in the form of a regular or chewable tablet. If you have a family history of heart disease, or a long-term health problem like rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it may be a suitable treatment option for you.

How does Atorvastatin work?

Atorvastatin works in two ways to lower cholesterol. It blocks the enzyme that creates cholesterol, which prevents the liver from producing it. The reduced production of cholesterol then lowers the overall concentration of it in the blood.

The second way Atorvastatin works is by helping with the reabsorption of existing cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed by your body to perform certain tasks. When it’s low, your body will reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in your arteries. This normally exists as plaques that are made up of LDLs (low-density lipoprotein), which is classed as “bad” cholesterol.

What doses of Atorvastatin are there?

You can purchase atorvastatin in four different doses; 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg. The right dose for you will depend on the levels of cholesterol in your body, and our clinical team can guide you on this. The typical starting dosage for adults between the ages of 18-64 years old is 20mg once a day. The dose might be lowered or increased depending on how much it reduces your cholesterol levels or causes unwanted side effects. The typical maintenance dosage for this age bracket is 10-80mg once a day.

Atorvastatin has not been approved for children under the age of 10. Your dosage could be lowered once you’re over 65, as your kidneys may not function as well as they used to, which can lead to your body processing drugs at a slower rate. This may increase your risk of experiencing side effects, like headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and cold-like symptoms.

How to take Atorvastatin

You should use Atorvastatin as directed. The oral tablet is prescribed as a long-term treatment and comes with risks if it’s not taken correctly. In most cases, you’ll be advised to take one dose once a day in the evening, as your body produces more cholesterol at this time. It can be taken with or without food. The tablet can be swallowed or chewed. The instructions for each form will be the same. To work properly, a certain amount of the drug will need to be present in your body at all times. If you stop taking Atorvastatin or miss a dose, the medication won’t work as effectively. If you take too much, then you should seek medical advice.

How long does it take Atorvastatin to work?

Everyone reacts to medication differently, but once you start taking atorvastatin tablets, your cholesterol levels should drop considerably within four weeks. This improvement will only be seen in patients who take their medication daily, as prescribed. You’ll be given blood tests at the start of your treatment to track your progress. You should follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly alongside taking your medication to lower blood cholesterol.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Atorvastatin?

If you forget to take a dose of Atorvastatin, you should take your tablet as soon as you remember. If you remember shortly before your next scheduled dose, then you should skip the dose that you missed. You should never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Taking too much Atorvastatin is unlikely to cause you much harm, but it can increase your risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects. If you’ve taken more Atorvastatin than you should and you feel worried, you should contact a clinician or pharmacist.