Having high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the organism can be detrimental to health. Thus, to reduce the values of these substances in the blood there are different treatments, among which is the consumption of a drug known as Atorvastatin.
Normally, when faced with high cholesterol levels, the primary treatment consists of establishing a specific diet low in saturated fats, which allows the reduction of excess cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, the diet should be complemented with physical activity in accordance with the patient’s situation.
However, when this initial treatment does not offer the expected results, your doctor will proceed to another type of therapy, mainly based on the consumption of specific drugs for this purpose, as is the case of Atorvastatin.
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin is a drug officially approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). Specifically, it is a medication that belongs to the group of drugs known as statins, which help regulate lipids (fats) in the organism.
Specifically, Atorvastatin is used to reduce the level of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; although it is mainly used when a low-fat diet and lifestyle changes fail on their own.
In addition, it is a drug indicated for those at high risk of heart disease, even though their cholesterol levels are in a range considered normal.
In any case, together with the treatment with Atorvastatin, it is usual for your doctor to recommend that you follow a specific low-cholesterol diet. This will help to achieve the objectives.
How to take this medicine
Before knowing how to take this type of medication, it is necessary to clarify that there are also a number of contraindications regarding the intake of Atorvastatin.
In this regard, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products lists the different situations and circumstances in which this medicine should not be taken:
- If you are allergic to any of the components of this medicine.
- If you have liver disease.
- In case of being allergic to Atorvastatin or other similar medicine used to reduce blood lipids.
- If you have unjustified abnormal results in liver function blood tests.
- In case if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you are using the combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C.
Before starting any treatment with Atorvastatin, it is normal for your doctor to put you on a low cholesterol diet; since an adequate nutritional structure is also part of this type of therapy aimed at reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Thus, the usual dose of Atorvastatin is 10 mg once a day in adults and children from 10 years of age. However, your doctor has the authority to increase this dose if he/she deems it necessary.
However, the maximum recommended dose of Atorvastatin should not exceed 80 mg once a day in adults and 20 mg once a day in minors.
On the other hand, it is necessary to clarify that the tablets of this drug can be taken at any time of the day with or without food. In addition, they should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is advisable to take the tablet at the same time each day.
