Atorvastatin

What it is

Atorvastatin is a statin. It blocks HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme the liver uses to build cholesterol, and the liver compensates by pulling more LDL out of the blood. It is prescribed to lower LDL and total cholesterol and to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in people at raised risk.

Used for

• Cholesterol
• Stroke prevention

What to know while taking it

Food makes no difference. Grapefruit blocks the enzyme that clears the drug and lets its level climb; the same route explains why clarithromycin and itraconazole are not combined with it. LDL and total cholesterol show whether it is working, ALT and AST watch the liver, and HbA1c and creatinine are followed alongside; the drug also depletes CoQ10. It is not used in pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

Muscle pain, tenderness or weakness with no obvious cause deserves a doctor without waiting, particularly alongside dark urine. Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual fatigue with nausea, points at the liver. Pregnancy, or planning one, is a reason to see a doctor rather than to decide alone.

Worth knowing

• Avoid grapefruit
• Report unexplained muscle pain
• Watch liver enzymes
• Not during pregnancy

Markers to watch

• LDL cholesterol
• Total cholesterol
• ALT
• AST
• HbA1c
• Creatinine

Nutrients affected

• coq10 — depleted by