Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a type of drug known as a statin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the body.
The liver is responsible for producing cholesterol, which is a type of fat that is necessary for the body to function properly. However, high levels of cholesterol can lead to the development of plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lipitor inhibits the production of cholesterol by blocking the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme plays a key role in the production of cholesterol in the body. By blocking the action of this enzyme, Lipitor reduces the amount of cholesterol that is produced by the liver.
As a result, the liver takes up more cholesterol from the bloodstream in an effort to maintain adequate levels of cholesterol in the body. This helps to lower the overall level of cholesterol in the body, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sources:
* [1] <https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html>
* [2] <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045776>
* [3] <https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/lipitor-atorvastatin-oral-tablet>
* [4] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>