Atorvastatin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Lipitor

Proper Use of This Medicine

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your condition but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to keep your cholesterol levels down.

Follow carefully the special diet your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly.

Atorvastatin should not be taken with large amounts of grapefruit juice or other grapefruit products because these may increase the concentrations of atorvastatin in the body

Dosing - The dose of atorvastatin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of atorvastatin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • Adults: 10 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
  • Children (10 to 17 years of age): 10 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
  • Children (less than 10 years of age): Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.