Atocor 20 Tablet

Atocor 20 Tablet is a prescription tablet that contains atorvastatin 20 mg in each tablet. It belongs to the statin class of medicines, which are used to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while helping raise “good” HDL cholesterol. Atocor 20 Tablet is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cholesterol-related cardiovascular problems in people at higher risk. This strength is a mid-range option in the Atocor line and is selected when a doctor wants more LDL-lowering than Atocor 10 Tablet but does not need the higher Atocor 40 Tablet or Atocor 80 Tablet strengths.

How it works: Atocor 20 Tablet works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme your liver uses to make cholesterol. As a tablet, it delivers atorvastatin systemically so the liver makes less LDL cholesterol and the body clears more cholesterol from the blood.

Atocor 20 Tablet provides 20 mg of atorvastatin per tablet, which places it above the lower Atocor 5 Tablet and Atocor 10 Tablet strengths and below Atocor 40 Tablet and Atocor 80 Tablet. Doctors may choose Atocor 20 Tablet for patients who need a moderate-intensity statin effect based on their cholesterol numbers, overall heart risk, and how they responded to lower doses.

• High LDL cholesterol
• Mixed dyslipidemia
• High triglycerides
• Lowering heart attack risk
• Lowering stroke risk
• Cardiovascular risk reduction in selected patients

• Swallow Atocor 20 Tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, split, or chew unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Take it once daily at the same time each day to help you remember.
• It can be taken with or without food; food does not usually change how well it works.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice unless your doctor says otherwise, because they can raise atorvastatin levels.
• Keep taking the tablet even if you feel well, because cholesterol medicine works by long-term control rather than by immediate symptom relief.

Each Atocor 20 Tablet contains atorvastatin 20 mg. It is usually taken once daily, but the exact dose and whether it should be increased or decreased depends on your cholesterol goals and medical history. The maximum usual labeled daily dose of atorvastatin is 80 mg per day, and your doctor decides if Atocor 20 Tablet is the right strength for you.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Atorvastatin may include:

• Muscle aches or soreness
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Headache
• More noticeable tiredness

• Atocor 20 Tablet is a mid-strength statin and should be used only when a clinician has assessed your cholesterol and heart-risk profile.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a history of muscle problems, or drink alcohol heavily, because these can increase risk.
• Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness promptly, especially if you also have fever or feel unwell.
• Do not use during pregnancy, and do not breastfeed unless your clinician specifically approves.
• Use caution with diabetes or prediabetes, since statins can slightly raise blood sugar in some people.
• This tablet may interact with other medicines that raise atorvastatin levels, increasing the risk of muscle side effects.
• If you have chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, seek emergency care immediately; Atocor 20 Tablet is preventive and not an emergency treatment.

• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ritonavir-containing medicines
• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil and other fibrates
• Certain cholesterol medicines such as high-dose niacin when used together

Store Atocor 20 Tablet at room temperature in its original strip/box, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.