atorvastatin peptide FAQ

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking atorvastatin.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if atorvastatin is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take atorvastatin.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours has passed since your last dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.

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If you or someone else has taken too much atorvastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Atorvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the removal of bad cholesterol from the blood.

Atorvastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol levels helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Atorvastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

While less common, the most serious side effects of atorvastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Muscle Problems. Atorvastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking atorvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

Oral Tablet. Atorvastatin oral tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place. Oral Liquid. Atorvastatin oral suspension should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in the original bottle. Use within the first 60 days of opening, then throw away any remaining medicine.

The most common atorvastatin side effects are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Do not drink large amounts of grapefruit juice (1.2 liters or more per day) while taking atorvastatin. Large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase your risk of having serious muscle problems. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking atorvastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Tell your health care provider if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day before taking atorvastatin.

Do not take atorvastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share atorvastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep atorvastatin out of the reach of children. People who are age 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of atorvastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group. Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, while you are taking this medicine. Follow any advice from your health care provider about diet and exercise. If you are taking atorvastatin oral liquid, take it on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs termed “statins”, which are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase – an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. Atorvastatin is used to reduce the levels of total blood cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LD, Apoprotein (Apo)-B, and triglycerides. LDL is also referred to as "bad" cholesterol and Apo B is a marker for cardiovascular risk. Atorvastatin also increases the levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. It is also approved for dysbetalipoproteinemia – a rare hereditary condition associated with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

HMG-CoA reductase is a key enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. The enzyme converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase from performing this conversion and hence disrupts the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. It also increases the number of LDL receptors on the cell; which leads to increased LDL uptake by the cells, and lowers the plasma LDL levels. Atorvastatin has a shape complementary to the active site of HMG-CoA reductase and also forms specific hydrogen bonds within the active site.