Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's orders about any special diet.
To use the suspension:
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Measure the oral liquid medicine with the provided oral dosing syringe.
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Take this medicine each day at any time of day. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
To use the tablet:
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Take the it at the same time each day.
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Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Take this medicine with or without food.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with atorvastatin. This could cause unwanted effects on the liver.
Tell your doctor if you regularly drink grapefruit juice. Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1.2 liters each day) while you take this medicine may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage form (tablets and suspension):
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For high cholesterol:
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Adults—At first, 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may need to start at 40 mg per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.
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Children 10 years of age and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)—At first, 10 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
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Children 10 years of age and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)—At first, 10 to 20 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.
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Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss a dose and it has been more than 12 hours since your last dose, wait and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at the same time.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024
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