Why is this medication prescribed?
Atorvastatin is an oral drug that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood.
It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as statins which includes lovastatin (Mevacor®), simvastatin (Zocor®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), and pravastatin (Pravachol®).
All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol by the liver by blocking the enzyme that makes cholesterol, HMGCoA reductase. They lower total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol levels. (LDL cholesterol is believed to be the "bad" cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease.) Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even reverse coronary artery disease.
Unlike the other drugs in this class, atorvastatin can also reduce the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. High blood concentrations of triglycerides have also been associated with coronary artery disease.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of an emergency/overdose