Atorvastatin is a drug belonging to the group of statins, used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and to prevent cardiovascular diseases. As all statins, this drug inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme found in the tissue of the liver and whose function is vital in cholesterol production in the body.
Cholesterol is a substance that is found naturally in the body and is necessary for the normal development of the body. However, its excess in the blood can be harmful, since by accumulating on the walls of the blood vessels, it can obstruct them. This being one of the most frequent causes of heart disease. It is for this reason that doctors recommend a treatment with atorvastatin, as it helps lower cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin, unlike other statins, such as simvastatin and pravastatin, is synthetically composed. It was first discovered in 1985 by the American chemist Bruce D. Roth.
Atorvastatin comes for sale as 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tablets to be taken by mouth. Its retail trade name is Lipitor. It is usually given once a day, with or without food, and it is recommended to do it at the same time every day. Its use must be under medical supervision.
Similarly, the patient medicated with atorvastatin should eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol, in addition to exercising by walking every day for at least 45 minutes, or doing sports; the important thing is to lead as healthy a life as possible.
The application of this drug can cause certain side effects, among which are:
Heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, joint pain and in the most severe cases the patient may present when ingesting atorvastatin; fever, nausea, dark colored urine, trouble breathing or swallowing, unusual bleeding, rash, itching, extreme tiredness, swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, hands, feet, ankles. It is recommended that the person see their doctor immediately if they experience any of these reactions when being treated with this drug.
