Lipitor

Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) is used to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances that are present within the blood. Cholesterol and fats which accumulate along the walls of your blood vessels decrease the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, brain and other parts of the body. Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) is taken with a prescribed and regular diet along with other precautions. This medication practically nullifies your chances of Angina (chest pain), strokes and various other complications of the heart. You must consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information since Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may be prescribed for other uses as well.

Furthermore, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may be described as a white to off – white crystalline powder that does not dissolve in aqueous solutions. Only a fraction of this medication dissolves in distilled water, phosphate buffer and acetonitrile. Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may also be described as being marginally able to dissolve in Ethanol and freely dissolve in Methanol.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) is available in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day. While taking this medication, you need to understand and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. It is important that you do not increase, decrease, or discontinue Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) without consultation, or take this medication more often than prescribed by your health care professional. It is necessary that you continue to take this medication even if you feel well and let your health care professional decide whether to decrease, increase or maintain the current dosage that you have been prescribed.

While on an ongoing course of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must consult your health care professional.

Sometimes, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may cause one to experience mild coughing, wheezing, constipation, heartburn, blistering or peeling of skin, chills and a loss of appetite.

Furthermore, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may also cause one to experience flatulence, an itching sensation, Myalgia (muscle pain), diarrhea, muscle tenderness, excretion of dark urine and mild indigestion.

Sometimes, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) interacts with various medications, such as Aliskiren, Daptomycin, Troleandomycin, Indinavir, Amiodarone, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir.

Furthermore, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) also interacts with various other medications, such as Diltiazem, Efavirenz, Carbamazepine, Ketoconazole, Nefazodone, Rifampin, St. John`s Wort and Clopidogrel.

Lastly, Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) also interacts with various other medications, such as, Digoxin, Erythromycin, Cyclosporine, Niacin, Cholestyramine, Gemfibrozil and Colestipol.

In case of an overdose of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium), you must call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

While on an ongoing course of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) your health care professional will advise you to go on a healthy, low – cholesterol and low-fat diet. This kind of diet includes cottage cheese, fat – free milk, fish (not canned in oil), vegetables, poultry, egg whites, and polyunsaturated oils and margarines such as corn, safflower, canola and soybean oils. While taking Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) you must also try and avoid foods with any excess fat in them such as, meat (especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut oil, palm oil and fried foods.

Furthermore, while on an ongoing course of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) your health care professional will order certain lab tests to check your response to this medication. You must make it a point to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory.
Do not share your medication or let anyone else take your medication without first consulting their health care professional. While taking Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) it is also important that you wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, more importantly, you must try and avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you skip a dose of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication to make up for a missed dose.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) should be stored in the container it came in. It is also important that the container remains tightly closed and out of the reach of children when not in use. This medication must be stored at room temperature and away from places such as the bathroom, where it could experience an excess of heat and moisture. When Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) is not in use or has gotten outdated, with the help of your pharmacist or health care professional, you must dispose of this medication using the appropriate method.

Before taking Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) it is necessary that you inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast – feeding. If you become pregnant while on an ongoing course of this medication, discontinue the same and consult your health care professional. If you are required to get a dental surgery done or go under the knife for any other reason, inform the concerned surgeon or dentist if you are taking Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) at the time.

While on an ongoing course of Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) you must consult your health care professional about the safe use of alcohol since the consumption of liquids with even marginal alcoholic content increases the side effects caused by this medication.

Furthermore, it is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of, or are currently suffering from, kidney diseases, infections, low blood pressure, seizures, endocrine disorders, hypothyroidism, electrolyte disorders, sepsis, type 2 diabetes or metabolic disorders.

Lastly, it is very important for the patient to know that Lipitor (Atorvastatin calcium) may or may not pass into breast milk. Hence, it is necessary that you inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant or are breast – feeding. If you become pregnant while on an ongoing course of this medication, discontinue the same and consult your health care professional.