Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. Like any medication, Lipitor can have side effects, and elderly patients may be more susceptible to some of these side effects due to age-related changes in the body.

Common side effects of Lipitor include headache, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections [1]. However, elderly patients may experience additional side effects, such as:

* Increased risk of muscle damage (myopathy) and kidney damage: Elderly patients may have a higher risk of developing muscle damage and kidney damage when taking Lipitor [2].
* Cognitive impairment: Some studies have suggested that statins, including Lipitor, may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in elderly patients [3].
* Increased risk of falls: Elderly patients taking Lipitor may have an increased risk of falls due to muscle weakness and dizziness [4].

It is important to note that the benefits of Lipitor in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke generally outweigh the potential risks for most patients. However, elderly patients and their healthcare providers should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of Lipitor therapy.

Elderly patients should inform their healthcare providers of any pre-existing medical conditions, medications they are currently taking, and any side effects they experience while taking Lipitor. Dose adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary to minimize the risk of side effects.

In summary, Lipitor can have side effects in elderly patients, including increased risk of muscle damage, kidney damage, cognitive impairment, and falls. It is important for elderly patients and their healthcare providers to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of Lipitor therapy.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Atorvastatin (Oral Route). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20069050>
2. FDA. (2012). FDA Drug Safety Communication: Important safety label changes to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs>
3. Gronich, J., & Wagener, J. (2012). Statins and cognition. Expert review of clinical pharmacology, 5(6), 665-676.
4. Gurwitz, J. H., Field, T. S., Harrold, L. R., Rothschild, B. M., Debellis, K., Seger, A. C., ... & Lipsitz, L. A. (2003). Incidence and preventability of adverse drug events among older adults in the ambulatory setting. Journal of the American Medical Association, 289(15), 1851-1857.
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration, Generic Entry & Competition. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin>