Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Adjusting the dosage of Lipitor can be helpful in achieving the desired cholesterol-lowering effect. The recommended starting dose of Lipitor is 10-20 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 80 mg once daily [3]. The dosage should be individualized based on the patient's response and tolerability to the medication.

The effectiveness of Lipitor in reducing cholesterol levels has been well established. Lipitor works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream [2]. The dosage of Lipitor can be adjusted based on the patient's response to the medication. If the desired cholesterol-lowering effect is not achieved, the dosage can be increased up to the maximum recommended dose of 80 mg once daily [3].

It is important to note that higher doses of Lipitor may increase the risk of side effects. Common side effects of Lipitor include muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness. Rare but serious side effects include liver problems and a severe form of muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis [2]. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients closely when adjusting the dosage of Lipitor.

In conclusion, adjusting the dosage of Lipitor can be helpful in achieving the desired cholesterol-lowering effect. The recommended starting dose is 10-20 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 80 mg once daily. The dosage should be individualized based on the patient's response and tolerability to the medication. However, it is important to monitor patients closely for side effects when adjusting the dosage of Lipitor.

Sources:
[2] Medscape - Lipitor (atorvastatin)
[3] Drugs.com - Lipitor Dosage