Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with atorvastatin are listed below. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. Taking atorvastatin with certain drugs used to treat HIV may cause atorvastatin to build up in your body. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This raises your risk for muscle breakdown. How might a hormone aid weight loss in obesity? Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." You may have the following symptoms: If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or through their online tool. For seniors: People over the age of 65 years have a higher risk for muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) while taking atorvastatin. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death). Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Your doctor may adjust your dosage depending on your cholesterol levels. This dosage information is for atorvastatin oral tablet. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Atorvastatin only comes in the form of a tablet you take by mouth. All rights reserved. This could result in dangerous side effects. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. This drug works by lowering your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Taking atorvastatin with certain antibiotics increases your risk for muscle problems. For children: Atorvastatin hasn’t been studied and shouldn’t be used in children younger than 10 years. This means that the atorvastatin may not work as well. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Taking atorvastatin with oral birth control pills may increase the levels of oral contraceptive hormones in your blood. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. It’s also available in a generic form. It’s also used to decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. If you breastfeed your child, talk to your doctor about what medication could be right for you. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. If you need to take these drugs together, your doctor may decrease your dosage of atorvastatin. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. Atorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Clogged arteries can block blood flow to your heart and brain. Your doctor will measure your cholesterol levels to see how well atorvastatin is working for you. The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. Symptoms can include: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms. Always carry your medication with you. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different medication schedule. Drinking grapefruit juice can lead to a buildup of atorvastatin in your blood, which raises your risk for muscle breakdown. This means that you may have liver damage. Keep it away from high temperatures. Atorvastatin hasn’t been studied in children younger than 10 years of age for this purpose. While you’re being treated with atorvastatin, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels and liver function. Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of atorvastatin oral tablet include: If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Lipitor is a cholesterol lowering statin that has a low risk of side effects. A prescription for this medication is refillable. In this article…, High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and coronary heart disease, because it builds up in the arteries, narrowing them. For people with liver disease: You shouldn’t take this if you have liver disease since this medication can increase your liver test results. Your doctor may adjust your diabetes medications if this happens. Atorvastatin can cause a severe allergic reaction. In children, atorvastatin is only used to treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. This raises your risk for muscle breakdown. This may raise your risk for heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may monitor you more closely for muscle problems. Atorvastatin oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects. These may include bile acid resins and other cholesterol-lowering medications. Atorvastatin helps to prevent cholesterol from building up in your arteries. What are the side effects of Lipitor? Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Examples of these drugs include: Taking rifampin with atorvastatin may lower the amount of atorvastatin in your body. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. An overview. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you don’t take atorvastatin, your cholesterol levels may not be controlled. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. It shouldn’t be used in this age range for this purpose. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Atorvastatin oral tablet is a prescription medication used to improve cholesterol levels and decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke. For pregnant women:Atorvastatin should never be used during pregnancy. Taking colchicine with atorvastatin raises your risk for muscle breakdown. Learn about their causes and treatment…, The body needs cholesterol, but too much bad cholesterol can be harmful and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes atorvastatin oral tablet for you. If you stop taking the drug or don’t take it at all: While eating a healthy diet can sometimes improve your cholesterol levels, atorvastatin can help them even more. Atorvastatin is used to improve cholesterol levels in people with different types of cholesterol problems. It’s available as a brand-name drug called Lipitor. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Atorvastatin oral tablet is a prescription drug. For people with kidney problems: Having kidney problems raises your risk for muscle breakdown while taking atorvastatin.