Lipitor is a medication that contains atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The appropriate dosage of Lipitor depends on several factors, including the patient's age, medical history, and current health status. According to the NHS [3], the usual starting dose of atorvastatin is 10mg once a day, which can be increased up to 80mg per day if necessary. However, the dose should not exceed 20mg per day for patients with severe liver problems.
The Drug Patent Watch [1] indicates that the maximum recommended daily dose of atorvastatin is 80mg. The drug's patent expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of the medication are now available. The availability of generic versions of atorvastatin may lead to lower costs for patients, but it is important to note that the dosage and effectiveness of generic versions may differ from the brand-name drug.
A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information [2] investigated the effectiveness of different doses of atorvastatin in reducing cholesterol levels. The study found that a dose of 10mg per day was effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels by 36.6%, while a dose of 80mg per day reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 54.7%. However, the study also noted that higher doses of atorvastatin were associated with an increased risk of side effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage.
In conclusion, the appropriate dose of Lipitor depends on several factors, including the patient's age, medical history, and current health status. The maximum recommended daily dose of atorvastatin is 80mg, but patients with severe liver problems should not exceed 20mg per day. The effectiveness of different doses of atorvastatin in reducing cholesterol levels varies, and higher doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose of Lipitor for their individual needs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6310693/
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/atorvastatin/how-and-when-to-take-atorvastatin/