Statins are meds administered to decrease mortality among those with cardiac diseases. These are known for their capabilities to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) remains one of the key reasons for incidence of strokes and cardiac arrest. Statins are prescribed to reduce the quantum of lipids (LDL) and thus extend lifespan of people with heart conditions. Atorvastatin is one of the widely used statins all over the world. But, is 20 mg of atorvastatin a low dose? It is worth your while to know more on this front.
HMG–CoA reductase is an enzyme responsible for making cholesterol. Statins contain key ingredients to inhibit the level of this enzyme. As a result, users of statins can bring down the level of LDL and triglycerides. Statins are also known to boost High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – dubbed as “good cholesterol”. HDL is linked to boosting lifespan of people who have cardiac dysfunction.
Statins are usually administered along with changes made to your daily habits, dietary plans and workouts. You are advised to pursue relaxation techniques like tai chi, being mindful and other such techniques. On the diet front, your dietitian will recommend foods low on sodium and fats. It is a good practice to refrain from taking salt-rich / sodium-heavy diet, greasy foods and highly-processed food items.
In this milieu, what is atorvastatin?
As the name indicates, this medicine belongs a category called statins. It fares as a first-line treatment to manage high levels of lipids. It is prescribed to prevent cardiac arrest and stroke. It is widely prescribed to those with family-history of cardiac disorders, spells of hypertension, high level of blood cholesterol, etc.
Atorvastatin was introduced for public-use in mid-1990s in the US. This drug received its patent a decade ago i.e., mid-1980s. Today, atorvastatin fares among a list of most important drugs, issued by World Health Organization (WHO). Number of prescriptions written for this statin has crossed 115-million each year.
Is 20 mg of atorvastatin a low dose?
In the initial stages of your treatment plan, a typical dosage form of 10 milligrams (mg) to 20 mg is offered through oral-route. This starting dose can go up to 30 to 40 mg for those living with high level of LDL. On a maintenance mode, dosages hovering at 20 mg to 60 mg are prescribed as a single-dose per day. It becomes important to note that the upper-most dosage limit of atorvastatin is 80 mg per day.
Intake of 20 mg of atorvastatin can trigger a few counterproductive effects. Such effects include softening of muscles, cramps, fatigue, damage of liver, etc. You can infer damage of liver function through signs such as pale-colored poop, drop in appetite, yellowing of skin and / or eyes, etc. Those who live with hepatic conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis are advised to inform your caregiving team of such disorders.
Precautions needed while taking 20 mg of atorvastatin
Regular use of this statin can increase sugars present in blood. Those who have conditions such as insulin-resistance or type-2 form of diabetes mellitus must inform their treating physician of such conditions. It is highly recommended to share inputs of prior spells of hypersensitivity / allergies before starting your dosage plan.
Being allergic to atorvastatin can cause arrhythmia, tachycardia, palpitation, abdominal discomforts like nausea, vomiting or pains in your lower abdomen. In some instances, users have reported inflammation of organs – especially, oral organs such as tongue or lips.
If you observe severe respiratory disorders like panting, gasping or wheezing, call your caregiver on a top priority mode. It can be helpful to seek clinical assistance from a local healthcare setting. As a safety measure, you can rush to a local poison control unit. Lastly, you are advised to speak to a certified clinical professional about what is considered a high-dose of atorvastatin
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.