Lipitor: Lowering Cholesterol at it's Best

Lipitor is used in lowering cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor for lowering your cholesterol in addition to a special diet if your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high, and you've been unable to reduce your readings by diet alone. This medication works by helping to clear the low-density-lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol-harmful) out of the blood and by limiting the ability of the body to form new LDL cholesterol.

Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor for lowering cholesterol to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or developing heart disease, especially, if you have any of the following risk factors:

Age 55 years old or older
Have a family history of early heart disease
Have high blood pressure
Have low levels of HDL cholesterol, (high-density lipoprotein) the good cholesterol
Smoke cigarettes

These types of medications may be prescribed by your doctor for lowering cholesterol if your LDL readings are 130 or more. For those at low risk, medication may be considered at readings out of 190 or more.

What are some the most important facts about this medication for lowering cholesterol?

Lipitor is usually only prescribed if diet, exercise and weight loss have failed in lowering your cholesterol levels. It's important to note that Lipitor and similar medications used in reducing cholesterol are meant as a supplement rather than a replacement for these environmental interventions. In order to get the full benefit of using this type of medication, the key is to maintain a diet and exercise program. All these efforts are very necessary in lowering your risk of heart disease.

How should this medication be taken?

Lipitor should be taken once a day with or without food. You can take it either in the morning or evening but should always be taken at the same time each day. This drug will usually begin working in lowering your cholesterol within two weeks. Also, to get an even greater effect, your doctor may prescribe Lipitor along with another lipid lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid. However, it's important to avoid taking two of these medications at the same time. Take Lipitor at least one hour before or four hours after taking the other drug for lowering your cholesterol.

Front Image - ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM Some information from The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs

Additional information and webpage by Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate (Health and Geriatric Psychologist)