Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin is a lowering cholesterol drug that belongs to the statin drug family. Lipitor works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol by the liver, or more specifically by blocking an enzyme, which your liver uses to produce cholesterol. As a result of that ‘shortage’ of cholesterol, your liver uses more cholesterol from the bloodstream, thus your total blood cholesterol levels are decreased.

The results of using Lipitor are impressive as studies show that the Lipitor is able to lower LDL cholesterol by an average of 40 to 60%. LDL is also known as the “bad” cholesterol that promotes the clogging of the arteries. When the arteries become severely blocked atherosclerosis occurs, leading to heart diseases and strokes.

The use of Lipitor has another great benefit: it raises the HDL cholesterol, also known as the good cholesterol for its ability to cleanse and expel the LDL cholesterol from blood vessels, thus preventing chronic conditions associated with high blood cholesterol levels.

However impressive the effectiveness of Lipitor may be, the use of Lipitor comes with several very undesirable side effects. Like most Statin drugs, Lipitor can cause severe muscle pains that may indicate dangerous kidney problems. If you have taken Lipitor, and you experience muscle aches or severe cramps, it is highly advisable that you see your doctor immediately.

Although Lipitor is aimed at lowering cholesterol, its interaction with antibiotics for example can lead to serious even fatal health consequences. The same is true when Lipitor or atrovastatin is mixed with either medicinal herbs or Niacin as dangerous health problems can occur. Therefore it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor prior to mixing any type of medicine, homeopathy remedy, herbal remedy, antibiotics or Niacin with Lipitor to prevent serious health consequences.