Why is it advisable to administer Atorvastatin at night?

Atorvastatin is a medication that belongs to the group of drugs known as statins , which are used to reduce the levels of lipids (fats) in the body. Atorvastatin has the approval of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).

Specifically, Atorvastatin is a drug indicated when treatment based on a specific diet and physical exercise has not had the desired effect in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Thus, it is also indicated for people with a high risk of heart disease, with the aim of reducing said risk, even if cholesterol levels are normal.

In addition, it is common for treatment with Atorvastatin to be accompanied by a healthy diet that allows reaching the goal of reaching healthy cholesterol levels.

Why should Atorvastatin be taken at night?

The AEMPS explains that Atorvastatin tablets must be swallowed whole with the help of a glass of water. Likewise, they explain that it can be taken at any time of the day with or without food; although it is recommended to take the tablet at the same time each day.

Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin, like any medication, also has adverse effects after consumption, although that does not mean that everyone develops them.

Thus, some of the most common adverse effects are flatulence, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, headache and dizziness. In addition, the main side effect that it can cause is muscle stiffness, so it is recommended to take it before bedtime, in order to reduce adverse discomfort.

In any case, to take Atorvastatin safely, it is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions for administration. Likewise, in case of doubt consult a specialist.

Thus, according to the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), the usual initial dose of Atorvastatin in adults and children from 000 years is 10 mg once daily. Although, the maximum dose should not exceed 80 mg once daily for adults and 10 mg once daily for children.

Your doctor will have the power to adjust the necessary dose of Atorvastatin depending on the patient's situation.

Possible side effects

Atorvastatin, like any medication, can cause adverse effects after consumption. Thus, the AEMPS classifies as rare side effects (1 out of 1. people) the following conditions:

1. Serious allergic reaction. It can cause swelling of the face, tongue and throat, as well as difficulty breathing.
2. Severe disease with severe scaling and inflammation of the skin.
3. Blisters on the skin, genitals, mouth and eyes.
5. Fever.
6. Skin rash, especially on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, which can cause blisters.
7. Muscle weakness, pain and tenderness.
9. Abnormal muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

In any case, the AEMPS assures that “abnormal muscle breakdown does not always disappear, even after stopping taking atorvastatin, and can be life-threatening and cause kidney problems.”