Lipitor effects: Information on what is Lipitor, how does it act and who should take it.

Lipitor effectsLiptior is a medication produced by American pharmaceutical company Phizer .It is a cholesterol lowering drug, using the active substance known as atorvastatin this is a original salt first developed by by a scientist named Bruce Roth while working for phizer in the year 1985. Like all statins Lipitor interrupts the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. As is well documented through a host of studies cholesterol forms an integral part of the artherosclerotic cascade which leads to eventual coronary artery disease,and hardeniong of arteries which may also lead to conditions such as , myocardial infarctions, strokes and othe peripheral vascular diseases. The drug is also used as an adjunct to diet in cases of dyslipidemia specially people suffering from hypercolesterolemie.The compound atorvastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, this is a rate determining compound which is actually responsible for the production of mevalonate, a small molecule which is integral in the synthesis of cholesterol. Hence with the inhibition of mevalonate Lipitor actually succeeds in inhibiting cholesterol which in turn reduces LDL synthesis in the body. The drug comes in the form of atorvastatin calcium tablets and the preparation is available in doses of 10,20,40 and 80mg for oral administration. The tablets are generally elliptical and white in color.Side effects; the common side effects associated with Lipitor include mild stomach ache on starting of the drug, gas, bloating or sometimes even heart burn. Nausea, skin rashes and muscle pain have also been reported by patients receiving Lipitor treatment. Other more serious side effects of Lipitor that have been reported include; rhabdomyolysis which is a disease causing the break down of muscles and eventually leading to acute renal failure, and liver failure, but these were reported in very few patients. Incase upon use of the drugs you have any signs of an allergic reaction developing contact the emergency services promptly. These signs and symptoms include; hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips tongue or throat. Note the drug should not be used as a supplement for food. Increased consumption of fatty foods and the taking of Lipitor does not guarantee controlled cholesterol levels, hence a strict dietary regime is mandatory. Alcohol consumption is another contraindication while using Lipitor as alcohol increases triglyceride synthesis in the body and eventually rendering Lipitor’s effects null.The drug is taken once a day and preferably at night, one should also try and take the drug at the same time every day. You will also have to have periodic blood tests to monitor its effects and dose adjustments may be required depending upon the analysis. One should always consult a physician before embarking on Lipitor treatment. It is contraindicated in people suffering from allergies to statins, in pregnancy or during breast feeding, it is specially contraindicated in people with liver failure. Your physician should be comprehensively informed of any previous medical history specially diabetes, kidney disease, rhabdomyolysis or a thyroid dysfunction. Lipitor is also contraindicated for use in children below the age of 10.