Introduction: Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that decreases the amount of Low density lipoproteins, apolipoprotein b and triglycerides. It is used to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, dysbetalipoproteinemia.
Generic Lipitor
Pharmacology: Generic Lipitor contains the active ingredient – Atorvastatin that belongs to a group of medicines called statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). By inhibitors this enzyme Atorvastatin prevents the formation of cholesterol by the liver and thus cause liver cells to collect more cholesterol from the blood. Atorvastatin exerts the following effects:
- Increases HDL cholesterol (also known as “good cholesterol”)
- Decreases LDL cholesterol (known as “bad cholesterol”)
- Decreases triglycerides blood levels
- Decreases Apo B cholesterol
By improving cholesterol blood picture, generic Lipitor reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes
Indications: Generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
- High cholesterol ( hypercholesterolemia)
- Hyperlipidemia
- High triglyceride blood levels (hypertriglyceridemia)
- Dysbetalipoproteinemia
- Prevention of heart and blood vessels diseases
- Reducing the complications of heart and blood vessels diseases
Contraindications: Generic Lipitor is contraindicated for use in the following conditions:
- Reactions of hypersensitivity to Atorvastatin or other statin medications
- Severe liver diseases
- Severe kidney diseases
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Adverse effect: The Generic Lipitor may cause the following side-effects:
- Dyspepdia, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, meteorism, hepatitis, jaundice
- Headache, insomnia, asthenia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Myalgia, seizures, myositis, myopathy, paresthesia
- Alopecia, angioedema, itching
- Symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels
- Arthralgia
- Thrombocytopeinia
- Rhabdomyolysis
Interactions: Generic Lipitor should not be used with the following groups of drugs or preparations.
- Birth control drugs
- Certain antibiotics
- Certain antifungals
- Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)
- Fibrates
- Grape fruit juice
- Certain Antivirals (used for HIV treatment)
- Immunosuppressors
- Niacin
- Other Statin medications
- Calcium channels blockers
Attention: generic Lipitor tablets should be stored at room temperature out of reach of children.