Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is a member of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor family of drugs that blocks the body’s production of cholesterol. Atorvastatin is used to lower high cholesterol.
- Keep up your CoQ10 levels 30 to 100 mg of co-enzyme q10 per day may prevent this heart-healthy nutrient from being depleted by your medication, and it may reduce the likelihood of a potential side effect.
- Try cholesterol-lowering margarine Using margarines containing sitostanol (Benecol), which is made from naturally occurring unsaturated sterols from soyabean oil (Take Control), can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- Wait for two hours before you take antacids containing magnesium Products containing magnesium and aluminium may interfere with atorvastatin, so take your med two hours before or after your antacid.
- Take red yeast rice with statins Although red yeast rice (Monascus purpureas) extract has been shown to lower moderately high cholesterol and triglycerides, it contains small amounts of natural HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and should not be used with statin medications.
- Disrupt your medicine with grapefruit
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice (and potentially pomegranate) as they may inhibit the body’s ability to break down atorvastatin, making it more toxic.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
