I bet you, thinking about what particular time of the day to take your drugs must have crossed your mind every time you had to take medications. You probably must have wondered if there is any effect of taking medications at different times. Regardless, do not let your curiosity get the best of you. Endeavor to seek your doctor’s prescription and advice. Now, let’s get to understand atorvastatin.
Understanding Statins and the time to take them
Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins and is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Some statins work best in the evening, while others work just as well in the morning. Statins are a type of medication that can lower the risk of heart disease. They do this primarily by reducing Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.
A person taking statins must follow the advice of their prescribing doctor regarding the time of day to take them. The recommended time, which should be discussed with their doctor, will vary depending on the type of statin. The various types of statin include;
- Short-acting statins: This type of statin works better at night because the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol is more active at this time. Most short-acting statins have a half-life of 6 hours. A medication’s half-life is the time it takes for the body to process and remove half of the medication. Short-acting statins include Lovastatin (Mevacor), Fluvastatin (the standard-release tablet), Pravastatin (Pravachol), and Simvastatin (Zocor).
- Long-acting statins: The body takes longer to process long-acting statins, which may have a half-life of up to 19 hours. The two reviews above noted that long-acting statins worked equally well whether a person took them in the morning or the evening. Therefore, people taking long-acting statins can choose which time of the day best suits them. Such statins include Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (the extended-release tablet), and Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
When is the best time to take Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a long-acting statin. The two reviews above noted that long-acting statins worked equally well whether a person took them in the morning or the evening. Therefore, people taking long-acting statins can choose which time of the day best suits them. Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It has a half-life of at least 19 hours and is usually taken once a day. If you are not sure when to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice, you can ask any questions on WellaHealth
For the different classes of Statins,
- Some work better when taken with a meal
- Some have half-lives or less than six hours, hence, are best taken at night
- Some other newer satin can be just effective when taken in the morning.
- Some are taken at whatever time is prescribed to you. Just make sure you are consistent.
It is important to be consistent with the timing of doses, so if a person prefers to take statins in the morning, they should take them in the morning every day. The doctors at Wellahealth, recommend that people using long-acting statins should take them at a time of day that is easy to remember.
Consistency is key when taking Atorvastatin
Choose the time you are most likely to remember to take it. It works best when taken at the same time each day. Stick to the same time every day to prevent your blood levels from becoming too high or too low. Once it becomes part of your routine, you’re less likely to forget.
How is Atorvastatin prescribed?
Your doctor may prescribe Atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease or a long-term health condition such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Atorvastatin comes as:
- 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, and 80mg tablets
- 10mg and 20 mg chewable tablets
The dose you take is dependent on why you are taking it, your cholesterol levels, and what other medicines you are taking.
Side effect from Atorvastatin
The side effect of Atorvastatin isn’t serious. According to the American College of Cardiology, about 90% of people taking Atorvastatin do not experience bothersome due effects. While others may experience the following
- Muscle aches, weakness, or cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle inflammation, or myositis, can be serious
- New-onset diabetes, especially in people with other risk factors for diabetes
Atorvastatin prescriptions have been going on for about 30 years. The medication is generally safe and effective with little or no serious side effects. You have to take it according to your prescription. The benefits of Atorvastatin usually outweigh all these risks. Hence, once you get the right prescription from Wellahealth, you have nothing to worry about.
How to take them
Swallow the atorvastatin tablets whole, with a drink of water. If you are given chewable tablets, you chew them. This medicine is available on prescription only. It comes with tablets, including chewable tablets for people who have difficulty swallowing.
Conclusion
In all, your doctor knows your medical issues and is your best source of information. Always ask if your Atorvastatin should be taken with what food or at what specific time. Always take Atorvastatin as instructed by your doctor and follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
