Description

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) 40mg Tablets – Cholesterol & Heart Health Medication

Lipitor 40mg Tablets (atorvastatin calcium trihydrate) are a prescription statin medication used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). By improving cholesterol balance, Lipitor helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

Each film-coated tablet contains 40mg of atorvastatin, one of the most potent statins available. Lipitor is widely prescribed worldwide and is known for its proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 55% at the maximum 80mg dose.

Key Features

• Brand Name: Lipitor

• Active Ingredient: Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (40mg)

• Class: Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)

• Form: Oral tablets (film-coated)

• Appearance: White, round tablets marked with “40” on one side and “ATV” on the other

• Pack Size: Blister packs of 10 or 30 tablets

• Manufacturer: Pfizer

Uses of Lipitor 40mg

Lipitor 40mg is prescribed for:

• Reducing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides

• Increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)

• Preventing heart attack, stroke, and chest pain (angina)

• Slowing and reversing atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)

• Treating familial hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents aged 10–17 years

Dosage and Administration

• Starting Dose: 10–20mg once daily

• Most Common Dose: 40mg once daily (for patients requiring >45% LDL reduction)

• Maximum Dose: 80mg once daily

• Can be taken any time of day, with or without food, due to long half-life

• Oral suspension should be used within 60 days of opening

⚠️ Always take Lipitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Mechanism of Action

Lipitor works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the key liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis. This leads to:

• Reduced cholesterol production in the liver

• Increased clearance of LDL from the bloodstream via LDL receptors

• Lower total cholesterol and triglycerides

• Improved HDL levels

Additionally, Lipitor has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to cardiovascular protection beyond cholesterol lowering.

Benefits of Lipitor 40mg

• Lowers LDL cholesterol by up to 55% (most potent statin)

• Raises HDL cholesterol, helping remove artery plaque buildup

• Reduces cardiovascular risks: heart attack, stroke, need for surgery

• Proven to slow and reverse atherosclerosis

• Can be used in children and adolescents with genetic high cholesterol

• Convenient once-daily dosing

Side Effects

Lipitor is generally well tolerated. Common side effects may include:

• Headache

• Muscle pain or weakness (myalgia)

• Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion

• Joint pain

• Fatigue

⚠️ Serious but rare side effects include liver enzyme changes and rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown). Patients should undergo regular monitoring.

Storage Instructions

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place

• Keep away from children

• Do not use beyond the expiration date

• Discard unused suspension after 60 days