Atorva 20 mg (Atorvastatin)

What is Atorva 20 mg (Atorvastatin)?

Atorva 20 mg is a prescription lipid-lowering medication containing Atorvastatin, which belongs to a class of drugs called statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It is used to manage high cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).

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What are the Uses of Atorva 20 mg?

Atorva 20 mg is used to:

• Treat hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia

• Lower elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Increase HDL cholesterol levels

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

• Prevent heart attack, stroke, and angina

• Treat familial hypercholesterolemia

• Manage lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes or hypertension

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What are the Benefits of Atorva 20 mg?

• Significantly lowers LDL-C and total cholesterol

• Helps reduce cardiovascular events

• Improves HDL and lowers triglycerides

• Suitable for both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease

• Beneficial in high-risk populations, including diabetics

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How Does Atorva 20 mg Work?

Atorva 20 mg works by:

• Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver

• Promoting increased uptake and removal of LDL cholesterol

• Modestly increasing HDL cholesterol

• Reducing triglyceride synthesis

This improves the lipid profile and reduces atherosclerotic plaque buildup in blood vessels.

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How to Take Atorva 20 mg?

• Take once daily, preferably at the same time each day

• Can be taken with or without food

• Swallow the tablet whole with water

• Follow a low-fat, heart-healthy diet for optimal results

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Dosage of Atorva 20 mg

• Standard adult dose ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg daily

• Atorva 20 mg is used for moderate to severe hyperlipidemia, or when a lower dose is insufficient

• Dosage may be adjusted based on response and cholesterol targets

• Pediatric dosing must be determined by a specialist

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Missed Dose and Overdose

Missed Dose:

• Take as soon as remembered

• If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed one

• Do not double the dose

Overdose:

• Symptoms may include muscle pain, confusion, or liver issues

• Seek immediate medical help

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Available Strengths of Atorva

Atorva (Atorvastatin) is available in:

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 20 mg

• 40 mg

• 80 mg

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Side Effects of Atorva 20 mg

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Nausea

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage)

• Liver dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine)

• Memory loss or confusion

• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)

Report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your doctor.

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Interactions of Atorva 20 mg

Avoid or monitor with:

• Grapefruit juice (can increase statin concentration)

• Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)

• Antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin)

• HIV protease inhibitors

• Blood thinners like warfarin

• Other lipid-lowering agents (e.g., fibrates)

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Precautions of Atorva 20 mg

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Use cautiously in liver disease

• Monitor liver function and CK levels during treatment

• Avoid alcohol, which increases the risk of liver damage

• Report symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, or jaundice

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Storage Information

• Store at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F)

• Keep away from moisture, sunlight, and heat

• Store in original packaging

• Keep out of reach of children

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Availability in the US and Australia

• Atorva is a brand primarily available in India

• In the US and Australia, the same active ingredient is sold under the brand Lipitor or as generic Atorvastatin

• Therapeutically equivalent options are widely available internationally

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Atorva 20 mg

Q1: Is Atorva 20 mg effective for high cholesterol?

Yes, it is highly effective for reducing LDL, triglycerides, and preventing cardiovascular complications.

Q2: How soon will I see results?

Lipid levels typically improve within 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

Q3: Can I drink alcohol while on Atorva?

Limit alcohol intake due to the increased risk of liver damage.

Q4: Can I stop Atorva if my cholesterol becomes normal?

No, stopping the drug may cause cholesterol to rise again. Always consult your doctor before stopping.

Q5: Does Atorva 20 mg cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect. If it occurs, discuss it with your doctor.