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What is Atorvastatin Calcium
AtorvastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAtorvastatin (Lipitor®) is a medication used to reduce cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. By reducing cholesterol and lipid levels, Atorvastatin reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is often prescribed to patients who have had a cardiovascular event or those at moderate to high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that Atorvastatin can reduce major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization and coronary death. It has been used safely in
Lipitoris the brand name
Atorvastatin Calcium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lipitor
Atorvastatin
1996
823
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Atorvastatin, also known as Lipitor, is approved by the FDA for 32 uses such as Lipid-Lowering Therapy and Anginal Pain .Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Used to treat Lipid-Lowering Therapy in combination with Ezetimibe
Anginal Pain
Used to treat Anginal Pain in combination with Amlodipine
Stroke
Used to treat Cerebrovascular Accident in combination with Amlodipine
Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage primary Hyperlipidemia
Lipids
Diet
Used to treat Diet in combination with Ezetimibe
Type 2 Diabetes
Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in combination with Amlodipine
Hospitalizations
Used to treat Hospitalizations in combination with Amlodipine
Hyperlipidemia
Used to treat Fredrickson classification type IV Hyperlipidemia in combination with Amlodipine
Congestive Heart Failure
Used to treat Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in combination with Amlodipine
Hypercholesterolemia
Used to treat Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in combination with Amlodipine
Lipidemias
Used to treat Fredrickson Type III lipidemia in combination with Amlodipine
Dyslipidemias
Helps manage Mixed Dyslipidemias
Hypercholesterolemia
Used to treat Non-familial hypercholesterolemia in combination with Amlodipine
Heart Attack
Used to treat Myocardial Infarction in combination with Amlodipine
Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary heart disease
Used to treat multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease in combination with Amlodipine
Interventional procedure
Used to treat revascularization procedures in combination with Amlodipine
Dysbetalipoproteinemia
Helps manage Dysbetalipoproteinemia
cholesterol
Helps manage High Cholesterol
Heart Disease
clinically evident coronary heart disease
Used to treat clinically evident coronary heart disease in combination with Amlodipine
inadequate response to diet
Used to treat inadequate response to diet in combination with Amlodipine
failed dietary modification
Hypertriglyceridemias
Helps manage Hypertriglyceridemias
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Hyperlipidemia
Used to treat non-familial hyperlipidemia in combination with Ezetimibe
heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia
Used to treat heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia in combination with Ezetimibe
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Used to treat Mixed Hyperlipidemia in combination with Ezetimibe
Myocardial Infarction
Used to treat Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction in combination with Amlodipine
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
Used to treat elevation of serum triglyceride levels in combination with Amlodipine
Dietary Modifications
Effectiveness
How Atorvastatin Calcium Affects PatientsAtorvastatin is a medication that decreases cholesterol and other fats in the blood. It works by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which helps the body make cholesterol. High levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Atorvastatin can lower LDL levels by up to 53%, and can increase HDL levels. However, as with other drugs in this class, atorvastatin can also cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness), liver dysfunction, elevated
How Atorvastatin Calcium works in the bodyAtorvastatin is a medication that works to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It does this by blocking an enzyme in the liver that helps create cholesterol. This causes the liver to produce more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, which helps it absorb LDL cholesterol. Atorvastatin also lowers triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In addition, research has shown that atorvastatin can have other positive effects on the body, such as improving endothelial function, reducing inflammation, and decreasing oxidative stress. It may also interact with a protein called L
When to interrupt dosage
The endorsed dosage of Atorvastatin Calcium is contingent upon the discovered condition, including Lipids, Primary Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia. The amount of dosage is dependent upon the prescribed method of administration outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Interventional procedure
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Congestive Heart Failure
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
inadequate response to diet
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Lipids
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
cholesterol
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Coronary artery thrombosis
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Myocardial Infarction
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Dyslipidemias
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Postoperative Thromboembolism
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Hypertensive disease
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
failed dietary modification
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Coronary heart disease
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Heart Disease
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Dysbetalipoproteinemia
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Hypertriglyceridemias
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Lipid-Lowering Therapy
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Anginal Pain
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Warnings
Atorvastatin Calcium ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Atorvastatin may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Atorvastatin Calcium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
Clonidine
Major
The metabolism of Clonidine can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin Calcium Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of atorvastatin in mice is over 5000 mg/kg. Signs of an overdose may include difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, liver damage, dark urine, muscle pain, and seizures. If someone has overdosed, supportive treatments are recommended. Hemodialysis is not expected to help clear the drug from the bloodstream due to its high rate of binding to proteins. In animal studies, high doses of atorvastatin have been linked to the development of certain types of cancer and fertility issues such as lower sperm count and motility. Atorvastatin has been found to not
Atorvastatin Calcium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Atorvastatin Calcium?
87 active clinical trials are currently being conducted to assess the efficacy of Atorvastatin Calcium in managing Mixed Hyperlipidemia, clinically evident coronary heart disease and inadequate response to dietary modifications.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hypercholesterolemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Hypertensive disease
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
cholesterol
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Coronary heart disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Anginal Pain
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Hypertriglyceridemias
0 Actively Recruiting
Dyslipidemias
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Coronary artery thrombosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Lipids
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
clinically evident coronary heart disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Myocardial Infarction
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
High Cardiovascular Risk
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Postoperative Thromboembolism
0 Actively Recruiting
failed dietary modification
0 Actively Recruiting
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Atorvastatin Calcium Reviews: What are patients saying about Atorvastatin Calcium?
4.7Patient Review
1/3/2021 I had very high levels of LDL and HDL. My doctor prescribed me a daily 40 mg dose, which I've been on for about a month now with no side effects. I changed my diet to see if I could manage it without the prescription, but so far haven't seen much improvement.
4Patient Review
3/12/2022 I've been taking this medication for two years now with no negative side effects. In fact, my cholesterol levels have improved significantly since I started taking it.
3Patient Review
4/22/2021 I'm 30 and have been taking this medication for a year. I already have the heart health of a 60 year old smoker, which is not good.
3Patient Review
11/14/2021 I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my throat. It's almost like angina, but Tylenol seems to help and it doesn't get worse with exercise. I'm scheduled for a stress test this week to see if there is any heart damage.
2.3Patient Review
2/20/2022 I took atorvastatin for three weeks and had to go to the emergency room twice. I stopped taking the medication two days ago and have since experienced major headaches, tinnitus, and a feeling of echo in my ears. My GP and ED doctors made me feel like I was being a hypochondriac and that none of this was real; however, after looking at these reviews, it seems like I'm not alone in this experience.
2Patient Review
1/14/2022 Atorvastatin was prescribed to me after a heart attack at 51. I started taking them and very quickly began experiencing severe joint pain, which is a known side effect. It felt like I was trapped in an 80 year old's body. Every morning, every joint in my body hurt. I was advised by my GP to stop taking them.
2Patient Review
3/24/2022 I have been taking Atorvastatin for years, and I am now 71. After reading the adverse side effects and learning that these statin drugs DO NOT prevent heart attacks, but they do cause many problems for the body, including liver damage..........I lost my mother and twin from liver cancer. I threw these drugs in the garbage.
1.7Patient Review
10/25/2021 I have arteriosclerosis but low cholesterol. This drug has produced extremely low lipids and side effects that the doctor ignores. Started at 80mg dose and my hands felt like they were burning. Cut to 40mg, still problems with memory, brain fog, balance, numb hands. I cut it to 20mg, and still having same side effects. Doctor wants to move it back to 80mg and refuses to do anything else.
1Patient Review
9/7/2021 I would not recommend this medication to anyone. It caused my friend liver and kidney problems that eventually led to her death. Some doctors don't seem to care about the consequences of prescribing this drug.
1Patient Review
2/10/2022 I began taking Atorvastatin and within a week, started itching. I stopped taking the medication and the itchiness has persisted for three weeks with no relief. My doctor prescribed me Fexolenadine, but it's not helping at all. I'm desperate for some answers.
1Patient Review
3/20/2022 My husband was told he had to wait 4 weeks for an urgent CT scan and thought he had liver cancer. Went to A & E today as he felt so I’ll. After a CT scan and numerous tests he’s just been told that these statins are the culprit. He is having another CT scan now (today) to see how much damage they have caused to his liver. Orange pee with blood, fatigue and feeling very poorly. THROW THEM AWAY!!!!! He is 70
1Patient Review
9/4/2022 I started getting nosebleeds after being on this medication for only one month. Additionally, I began experiencing headaches and muscle aches, as well as insomnia and vivid dreams. To be frank, this drug is terrible.
Patient Q&A Section about atorvastatin calcium
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of taking atorvastatin calcium?
"The side effects of the medication include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, headache, and mild muscle pain."
Answered by AI
Is atorvastatin calcium good for you?
"Atorvastatin Calcium works by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol, which in turn reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream. This in turn reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack."
Answered by AI
What's the difference between atorvastatin and atorvastatin calcium?
"Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine used to treat high cholesterol. It is available as a generic medicine or under the brand name Lipitor as a calcium salt. Atorvastatin is one of the most popular medicines for treating high cholesterol."
Answered by AI
What is atorvastatin with calcium used for?
"This drug lowers cholesterol levels and prevents stroke, heart attack, and chest pain. It is also being studied for its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as other conditions."
Answered by AI