1What Is Atorvastatin?
Lipitor is a brand name medication that contains the active ingredient atorvastatin. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 1996. Lipitor belongs to a class of medications called statins. They work by inhibiting the production and accumulation of cholesterol in the body. Doctors typically prescribe this drug for increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol HDL and reducing the levels of triglyceride and “bad” cholesterol LDL in the blood. This is important in prevent certain cardiovascular issues. [1]
How Atorvastatin Works
Lipitor is a type of statins. These medications work by blocking the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that plays a part in speeding up the production of cholesterol in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, Lipitor may help reduce the overall levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat-like element released by the body from consuming some foods. While it is important for many functions, too much cholesterol would increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as a stroke or heart attack. Your doctor may suggest taking Lipitor and making certain lifestyle changes to lower overall levels of cholesterol and risk of heart diseases. [2]
