• Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. It also increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet.

How should you take this medication?

• Take Lipitor by mouth usually once daily with or without food.
  
  
• You can take it in the morning or the evening, but should hold to the same time each day.
   
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor.
   
• If you miss a dose of Lipitor , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

General Precautions with Lipitor

• Before taking lipitor, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to other "statins".
   
• The rare development of severe muscle damage can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems.
   
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are planning to become pregnant

• If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

• If you have low blood pressure,

• If you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems
  

What are the possible side effects of Lipitor?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atorvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
   
• Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of lipitor and other similar medicines.