How Does Atorvastatin Work?
Atorvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. The medication works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of
cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of
LDL cholesterol. Atorvastatin also increases
HDL ("
good cholesterol") and decreases
triglycerides.
The effects of atorvastatin reduce the following forms of cholesterol and fats in the body:
Is Atorvastatin Used for Children?
Atorvastatin has been approved for treating high cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17.
Is Atorvastatin Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend taking atorvastatin for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there are no known off-label uses for atorvastatin.