Lipitor is a prescription medication used alongside diet, weight loss, and exercise to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke and reduce the need for heart surgery in people who have heart disease or are at risk of developing it[1]. It is also prescribed to:
- Lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood[2].
- Increase “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood[2].
- Treat certain genetic cholesterol disorders, such as familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents aged 10 to 17[1].
- Prevent cardiovascular events (like heart attack, stroke, angina, and the need for revascularization) in adults with multiple risk factors or established heart disease[1].
- Reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in adults and children with abnormal lipid profiles or high cholesterol due to genetic causes[3].
Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to a class of drugs called statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver, helping prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and lowering the risk of serious cardiovascular complications[1].