Atorvastatin (Full Name: Atorvastatin Calcium) is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor(HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor).
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug which means it helps to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood by lowering cholesterol production in the liver.
This high cholesterol and triglyceride are very dangerous because they deposit in your blood vessels. So the diameter of blood vessels is reduced and blood can’t flow easily. That’s harmful to our hearts. Atorvastatin helps to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels to lower the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Hope you easily understand how atorvastatin reduces high cholesterol and triglyceride level in the blood.
Atorvastatin– Detailed Information in Hindi video:
Uses of Atorvastatin:
- Atorvastatin is used for the treatment of lowering high cholesterol and triglyceride level.
- Lowering the lipid level helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Side effects of Atorvastatin:
- Weakness.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Stomach pain.
- Dizziness
Warnings or Precautions of Atorvastatin:
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant then this medicine is unsafe for use. It may be harmful to your unborn baby.
- Breast-feeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother then this medicine may harm your baby. Ask your doctor before use.
- Liver disease: If you have or had any liver disease then consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Rhabdomyolysis: If you have this condition, then ask your doctor before use.
- To avoid interaction: Before taking this medicine you should talk to your doctor if you currently using any medicine or have any health disorder.
- Not for children: This medicine is not for children under 6 years of age.
Drug Interaction of Atorvastatin::
- Erythromycin or clarithromycin
- Fenofibrate
- Ritonavir
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
Atorvastatin Brands Available in India:
| Brand Name | Company | Available doses |
| Storvas | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Atorva | Zydus Cadila | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Tonact | Lupin Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Atocor | Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Lipicure | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Avas | Micro Labs Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Atorlip | Cipla Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Xtor | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Soraton | Novartis India Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Stator | Abbott | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
| Aztor | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
References- 1. nhs.uk 2.drugbank.com