Statins are essentially drugs which can reduce levels of lipid in your blood. As an outcome, the odds of heart problems stand reduced substantially. Such meds are taken to decrease cholesterol level in bloodstream. It is a common practice among doctors to recommend changes in habits; key among them is intake of balanced foods, pursuing a well-regimented workout plan. Atorvastatin is one of the popular statins. But, is 40 mg of atorvastatin too much? It is a good thing to have more details.
Meds belonging to a genre called statins are known to inhibit enzymes such as HMGCo Areductase. You need to know that the main ingredients of such meds mirror the structure of these enzymes. In this process, statins can reduce your system’s capability to produce a chemical known as mevalonate. Substances such as mevalonate play a pivotal role in making lipids and other types of fats.
What is atorvastatin?
This med is one of the most commonly used statins. It pertains to a category of meds called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Key items present in atorvastatin reduce the presence of cholesterol in blood. This further results in a marked drop in level of lipids, especially at the inner walls of arteries. Once lipid levels drop, blood vessels tend to get de-clogged or decongested. Decongestion of blood vessels causes an easy flow of blood; this is a prerequisite to avoid the risks of heart failures, cardiac failure, strokes, etc.
Of all the statins, atorvastatin is known for its properties to reduce fats such as low density lipoprotein (in short, LDL). This lipid is also known as ‘bad type of blood cholesterol’. One of the added applications of atorvastatinis its ability to decrease triglyceride levels in your blood. At the same time, this statin helps enhance the level of high density lipoprotein (or, HDL). It is HDL which is called ‘good type of blood cholesterol’.
Is 40 mg of atorvastatin too much?
Makers of atorvastatin recommend a daily dosage of 20 mg if you are taking meds like itraconazole, a few types of HIV meds (like acyclovir), select forms of antibiotic drugs, especially meds like clarithromycin, etc. Upon taking nelfinavir, dosages must not exceed 40 mg within a 24-hour timeline. In all the above cases, intake of 40 mg of atorvastatin is indeed too much.
The typical dosage of atorvastatin for treating high level of blood cholesterol is 20 mg per day. This dosage is strictly for grown-ups. However, if your LDL (i.e., bad cholesterol) is quite high, your doctor may commence your dosage plan with 40 mg each day.
Points you must know before starting to take atorvastatin
Essential ingredients of atorvastatin are known to remain in your system for ~3 days. Half-life of this statin is nearly 14.5 hours. In general, it takes more than 6 half-lives for a complete depletion of the effects of this med.
As a safety measure, those with liver-related disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. must inform their doctor of such conditions. Odds of this drug staying back for long in your system are high due to these disorders. If your medication plan includes antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin, your physician must know of dosages taken.
Beware of side effects of atorvastatin dosage can trigger. Most common side effects of atorvastatin include flatulence, joint aches, turning lightheaded, abdominal conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. However, most of these adverse / undesired outcomes tend to disappear on their own when your system gets used to its key chemicals.
In some cases, this statin can cause some severe discomforts; these can show up as darkening of urine, softened muscles, etc. Upon witnessing these adverse effects, dial 911 or get in touch with Health Canada. Lastly, to know more on is 40 mg of atorvastatin too much, talk to your caregiver or pharmacist.
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.