Atchol 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets

Atchol 20 tablet is used to lower lipids like blood cholesterol and triglycerides when a low-fat diet and lifestyle modifications alone are not effective. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart disease. Atchol 20 tablet contains atorvastatin as the active ingredient.

atorvastatin is a member of the statin class of medicines, which are used to control lipid (fat) levels in the body. This medicine works by preventing the action of a chemical necessary for cholesterol formation. Atchol 20 tablet is used as an adjuvant to diet in patients with high or abnormal levels of cholesterol.

It is recommended to maintain a standard cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment. Take this medicine in the exact dose and duration as recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. Before starting Atchol 20 tablet, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding and about your complete medical history. Also, inform about all the medicines and supplements that you take.

Along with taking this medicine, you should avoid consuming a high fat, fried or junk meals and also maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to gain optimum benefit.

Dosage

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of Atchol 20 tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

It would be best if you took the doses at the appropriate time for the desired effect. However, if you missed any dose of Atchol 20 tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Atchol 20 tablet works by preventing the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase which is essential for cholesterol formation. Thus this medicine helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. It also increases the good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein/HDL) levels in the body.

Directions for Use

• Take Atchol 20 tablet exactly as recommended by your doctor.
• Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It would be best if you take it at the same time every day for optimal results.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Avoid consuming more than the dose prescribed by the doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Atchol 20 tablet during pregnancy?

Atchol 20 tablet is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use proper contraceptive measures while taking this medicine. If you think you are pregnant or pregnancy is detected while taking this medicine inform your doctor immediately.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Atchol 20 tablet while breastfeeding?

No information is available if Atchol 20 tablet passes into human breast milk. Thus, this medicine should not be taken during breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother before starting this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Atchol 20 tablet?

Atchol 20 tablet has negligible influence on the ability to drive. However, if you experience any effects after taking this medicine that may affect your ability to drive safely, it is recommended to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Atchol 20 tablet?

There is limited information on the interaction of alcohol with Atchol 20 tablet. Ask your doctor for advice on the use of alcohol with this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any underlying medical condition like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems, respiratory problems, or muscle-related problems.
• You have a history of stroke with bleeding inside the brain.
• You have repeated muscle pains or a history of muscle-related problems.
• You have recently or in the last 7 days, taken medicine for bacterial infection like fusidic acid, as this may cause serious muscle injury.
• You are an alcoholic.
• You are elderly, above 70 years of age.
• You are already taking any other medicines for health conditions.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to atorvastatin or any other ingredient of Atchol 20 tablet.
• If you are being treated with medicines for hepatitis C like the combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. If you are not sure what these medicines are, please confirm with your doctor.
• If you have liver disorders or your liver tests are abnormal.
• If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are a woman capable of having children and not using effective contraceptive measures.

Side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Back pain
• Indigestion

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Atchol 20 tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines if taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking other cholesterol-lowering medicines, anticoagulants like warfarin, blood pressure-lowering medicines, painkillers like phenazone, anti-infectives, anti-HIV medicines like ritonavir, medicines used to treat hepatitis C like telaprevir and antacids.

Interactions with food items

You should avoid consuming grapefruit juice during the treatment with Atchol 20 tablet as it can alter the effect of this medicine.

Storage and disposal

• Store Atchol 20 tablet below 25°C in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Atchol 20 cause acidity?

Sometimes Atchol 20 tablet may cause acidity or heartburn as a side effect. However, not everyone experiences the side effect. Talk to your doctor if these side effects do not resolve or worsen.

What dietary restrictions should I follow while taking Atchol 20?

• Avoid fried and junk food.
• Avoid carbonated drinks.
• Avoid having grapefruit juice with this medicine.
• Have the last meal of the day at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.

Can I stop taking Atchol 20 on my own?

No, you should not suddenly stop taking Atchol 20 tablet on your own without consulting your doctor.

What is the best time to take Atchol 20?

Atchol 20 tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. However, it can be taken at any time of day with or without food.

What is Atchol 20 used for?

• Atchol 20 tablet is used to lower lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
• It is also used to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Is Atchol 20 and atorvastatin the same?

Yes, Atchol 20 tablet contains atorvastatin as the active ingredient.

Is Atchol 20 a blood thinner?

No, Atchol 20 tablet is not a blood thinner medicine. It is a lipid-lowering medicine that helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It also increases the good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein/HDL) levels in the body.

Can I take Atchol 20 if I am taking other medicines?

You can take Atchol 20 tablet with other medicines if your doctor recommends it. Some medicines can affect the way Atchol 20 tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines if taken at the same time. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.

What is LDL and HDL?

Low-density lipoprotein/LDL is also known as bad cholesterol. It contributes to the development of fatty material in the arteries and may increase the possibility of heart attack and stroke. High-density lipoprotein/HDL is also known as good cholesterol. It absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver which then flushes it out of the body.

Who should not take Atchol 20?

• You should not take Atchol 20 tablet if:
• • If you are allergic to atorvastatin or any other ingredient of this medicine.
• • If you are being treated with medicines for hepatitis C.
• • If you have liver disorders or your liver tests are abnormal.
• • If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• • If you are a woman capable of having children and not using effective contraceptive measures.

What should I avoid while taking Atchol 20?

• Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicines, herbals or supplements if you are taking Atchol 20 tablet.
• Do not get pregnant during treatment with this medicine. Women of childbearing age should use proper birth control measures while taking this medicine. If you think you are pregnant or pregnancy is detected during treatment with Atchol 20 tablet, inform your doctor immediately.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body. LDL/bad cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and block the flow of blood to your heart. HDL/good cholesterol carries LDL cholesterol away from your artery walls. High cholesterol or having too much cholesterol in the blood, can be a risk factor for developing heart disease.

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?

• The risk factors for increased levels of cholesterol include:
• • Diet rich in saturated fat or trans fat.
• • Being overweight.
• • Having a sedentary lifestyle with little/no exercise.
• • Smoking and alcohol consumption.

Can I take Atchol 20 if I am lactating?

No information is available if Atchol 20 tablet passes into human breast milk. Thus, this medicine should not be taken during breastfeeding/lactation. Inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother before starting this medicine.

What foods should I avoid while taking Atchol 20?

You should avoid consuming grapefruit juice during the treatment with Atchol 20 tablet as it can alter the effect of this medicine.

Does smoking affect cholesterol levels?

Smoking may increase the levels of LDL/bad cholesterol and decrease the levels of HDL/good cholesterol.

What is the difference between Atchol 10 and Atchol 20?

Both Atchol 10 and Atchol 20 are used to lower lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and contain atorvastatin as the active ingredient. The only difference is that Atchol 10 contains a lower dose of atorvastatin as compared to Atchol 20. However, you should always take the medicine that has been prescribed to you by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.