Atorvaliq is administered orally, with or without food, once a day. An appropriate dose should be determined by cases of the level of cholesterol and other health conditions involving patients, together with their predisposition toward cardiovascular actions. The frequently administered dosage is done in tablets. These tablets should be taken as a whole.
Traditional dosages for atorvastatin include the following:
- The start dosage is given at 10-20 mg once a day.
- Maintenance dose: If the patient’s response to treatment or requirement for lowering cholesterol levels is desired, an increased dose can be made. Most maintenance doses range from 20 mg to 80 mg once daily.
- Maximum dose: The highest recommended dose of atorvastatin is 80 mg per day.
It is essential to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and adjust it without consulting a doctor. The dose can be memorized if it is taken at the same time every day.
The atorvastatin, otherwise referred to as Atorvaliq, acts by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase from the liver. This enzyme plays a role in cholesterogenesis. Inhibiting this enzyme reduces overall cholesterol production in the liver. The consequence is that the liver uptakes more LDL cholesterol to compensate for low production hence lowering LDL cholesterols in the circulation.
Besides its potential to lower LDL, atorvastatin may also be helpful in another way
Elevate HDL Cholesterol: The medication also tends to elevate the level of HDL. This is beneficial since HDL removes extra cholesterol in the blood.
Reduce triglycerides. Atorvastatin can also reduce triglycerides, which is a form of fat in the blood. When raised, triglycerides increase the risk for heart disease.
As is the case with most medicines, Atorvaliq can cause side effects. However, most people tolerate atorvastatin well. The most frequent common side effects are:
1.Pain and Weakness in Muscles: This is also one of the most common side effects of statins, including atorvastatin-myopathy. In rare cases, muscle breakdown followed by such serious conditions as rhabdomyolysis.
- Liver relevant enzymes: High levels of liver enzymes indicate a sign of liver damage which is associated with atorvastatin. The levels of these liver enzymes are thus tested through routine tests most of the time
- GI issues: Some individuals experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort while taking atorvastatin.
- Headache: Headache is one common side effect with atorvastatin. It sometimes subsides when continued with medication.
5.Fatigue: Others may find themselves very drained or exhausted while on atorvastatin.
There are a number of warnings and precautions taken prior to going on atorvastatin treatment:
1.Liver disease: Atorvastatin is metabolized in the liver; therefore, it has to be taken cautiously in patients who suffer from liver disease or in those whose liver function test results are abnormal. A schedule for liver enzyme determinations is usually carried out under the treatment.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: While using atorvastatin, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid it. It can cause adverse effects on the fetus or infant. Pregnant or planning to conceive female patient should discuss her treatment options with her physician.
- Muscle Problems: Patients experiencing pain, tenderness, or weakness in the muscles without a cause or origin should seek their physician’s advice right away. It can be a manifestation of a critical side effect known as rhabdomyolysis.
Grapefruit – Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Atorvastatin in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
Clarithromycin – This antibiotic can increase the blood levels of Atorvastatin, which may increase the risk of muscle damage.
Cyclosporine – A drug like cyclosporine can increase the concentration of Atorvastatin, leading to a higher risk of muscle problems.
Gemfibrozil – Taking Gemfibrozil with Atorvastatin can increase the risk of serious muscle side effects, including rhabdomyolysis.
Dose of atorvastatin to be given needs to be determined by the individual’s cholesterol level, the state of the patient’s medical condition, and his general health. The dosages for which include:
- Initial dose: 10–20 mg once a day.
- Maintenance dose: It can be increased based on the cholesterol level and response to the treatment, 40, 60 or even 80 mg per day.
- Maximum: 80 mg per day.
Atorvastatin is given at any time once daily and can be taken either with or without food.
Atorvaliq drug is available by prescription only. A doctor can prescribe the drug after evaluating the patient’s cholesterol levels and also risk factors for cardiovascular conditions. They should plan appointment and testing to monitor for side effects and change the dose as needed.