What is Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) used for?

Lipitor is a prescription medication that is used to treat high cholesterol. It can reduce the risk of angina (chest pain), heart attack, and stroke in patients who have risk factors for these conditions.

How does Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) work?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that circulates in the blood. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to the formation of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which can make it difficult for the blood to flow. If a blood vessel supplying a vital organ such as the brain or heart is blocked by cholesterol deposits, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Lipitor works by blocking an enzyme that is needed to make cholesterol; thus, it lowers LDL-C (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in the blood. Lipitor also raises HDL-C (good cholesterol levels). As a result, Lipitor reduces heart disease and stroke risk.  

What are Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) doses?

Lipitor is available in tablet form. The available dosage forms are 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets. 

To begin, doctors usually prescribe Lipitor 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth daily. The starting dose may be 40 mg in patients requiring a more significant reduction in bad cholesterol. The typical maintenance Lipitor dose is 10 mg to 80 mg by mouth daily. Your doctor may check cholesterol levels 2-4 weeks after starting Lipitor and adjust the dose accordingly. 

For children 10 to 17 years of age, the initial dose is 10 mg once daily. The dose can be increased by the pediatrician if needed. However, typically, the dose does not exceed 20 mg per day.