Lipitor and Alcohol Interaction
Lipitor and Alcohol
Lipitor generic name atorvastatin belongs to a family of drugs known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors called statins which serve to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and tryglycerides in the blood while increasing levels of good cholesterol in the blood.
It is used to treat high cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke or other heart problems for those with type 2 diabetes or other risk factors. It is used in adults and those over 10 years of age.
It is suggested that you discuss moderate alcohol consumption with your physician while using this drug.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Before using Lipitor advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have a heart rhythm disorder, joint problems, kidney or liver disease, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, muscle weakness, thyroid disorder or if you drink more than 2 alcohol drinks per day.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are mild diarrhea, mild muscle pain or nausea. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, muscle pain, weakness, fever, unusual tiredness, dark coloured urine, swelling, weight gain, changes in urination, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay coloured stools or jaundice. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Lipitor and Alcohol
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