Atorvastatin tablets
What do atorvastatin tablets do?
ATORVASTATIN (Lipitor(R)) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Atorvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic atorvastatin tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take atorvastatin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol problem
• any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
• blood salt imbalance
• infection
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take atorvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the atorvastatin with a drink of water. Atorvastatin can be taken at anytime of the day with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with atorvastatin?
• antacids
• birth control pills
• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
• cimetidine
• digoxin
• diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)
• herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin(R))
• medicines for treating HIV infections
• medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine)
• medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: clofibrate, colestipol, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin)
• medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486 or Mifeprex(TM))
• nefazodone
• phenytoin
• spironolactone
• troglitazone
• verapamil
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.