Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain, known as myopathy. If this discomfort becomes severe or persistent while taking Atorvastatin, contact your healthcare provider immediately as myopathy could progress into more serious conditions like Rhabdomyolysis which requires urgent medical intervention.
Animal studies conducted with simvastatin subgingivally administered reduced orthodontic space relapse and bone density in rats, while another investigated its efficacy as a topical gel for healing dental sockets post extraction.
Understanding Atorvastatin: How Long Does it Take to Work?
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication known for its ability to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. Its mode of action involves selectively and competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis.
The time it takes for atorvastatin to start working can vary among individuals and their specific conditions. However, certain studies have indicated that cholesterol levels can begin to decrease within two weeks of initiating atorvastatin treatment.
It’s important to emphasize that atorvastatin should always be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and it may take several weeks or even months to observe the full benefits of the medication.
Recommended Dosage for Atorvastatin
To provide clarity on the recommended dosages for atorvastatin, the following guidelines are generally followed:
For adults with high cholesterol: The typical starting dose is either 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. In some cases, patients may begin with a higher dose of 40 mg per day. If necessary, the dose can be adjusted as per the individual’s needs, but it is usually not increased beyond 80 mg per day.
For children: The usual initial dose for children is 10 mg once daily. This dosage can be increased up to a maximum of 80 mg based on the child’s specific requirements, age, and concurrent medication use.
It’s important to note that lomitapide, a medication that affects the P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter, should not exceed a dose of 30 mg per day. Lomitapide can increase levels of atorvastatin in the body.
Always Follow Doctor’s Instructions
When taking atorvastatin, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions provided by your doctor and follow the guidance outlined in the accompanying medication package.
Dosages may vary depending on individual conditions and medical history. Should you have any concerns or queries about the appropriate dosage of atorvastatin, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for expert advice.
Dental Side Effects of Statins
1. Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may be one of the unpleasant side effects of taking popular cholesterol medication atorvastatin. The discomfort is caused by hot or cold temperatures exposing nerves in your dentin layer and prompting discomfort. It is essential that if this occurs it be addressed promptly as it could indicate more serious dental issues in need of professional assessment.
Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, which can wear away the enamel and expose sensitive areas of the teeth, are also major causes of tooth sensitivity. Acidic mouthwashes and whitening products should also be avoided to minimize such effects on oral health.
Clenching and grinding your teeth can also increase sensitivity due to exerting excess force on them and supporting structures. Your dentist can offer you a custom night guard designed specifically to stop this clenching and grinding while sleeping.
2. Gum disease
While atorvastatin’s primary role is to lower cholesterol and decrease risk for heart disease, studies have also demonstrated its efficacy at treating gum disease.
Patients taking an 80mg dose saw significant reductions in gum inflammation; improvements also coincided with improved atherosclerotic disease symptoms – supporting the notion that statins have multiple uses in treating inflammation-based diseases like both cardiovascular and gum diseases.
Simvastatin-containing topical gel has also been demonstrated to assist in the healing of donor sites after free gingival tissue grafts in rabbit models, likely due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit osteoclast formation.
3. Gingival overgrowth
Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO) is an adverse side effect of medications that targets the gingiva, manifesting as a slow-growing, nontender, firm pale pink enlargement with minute lobulations that does not bleed on contact and appears softer than usual. If left unchecked it could result in tooth impaction and displacement if left unaddressed early enough.
DIGO remains unclear in its full context, though a drug-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition has been proposed as the source. Three medications known to induce DIGO include phenytoin, cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers; although two of these may work synergistically and exaggerate gingival hypertrophy.
Nonsurgical therapy for this condition includes teaching proper oral hygiene techniques, scheduling frequent (3-month) professional periodontal recall visits, and using adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents such as chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinses as adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents.
Gingivectomy should only be considered when severe cases have emerged or when an alternative medication regimen cannot be adjusted by a physician.
4. Mouth sores
Mouth ulcers, also known as Aphthous Stomatitis, appear on the inside of your mouth and can be very uncomfortable. They typically appear yellow with red borders and often return throughout the year making treatment challenging.
Unfortunately, mouth sores are generally harmless and should clear up within a week or two on their own. If they persist or recur frequently however, consult with a GP immediately for treatment options.
Statins that contain CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Atorvastatin can increase your risk of mouth sores known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS). You may want to try home remedies such as saltwater rinses, baking soda rinses or taking milk of magnesia supplements.
Also consult your doctor regarding prescription strength medications that could help treat RAS sores.
5. Hair loss
Statins (also referred to as hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are drugs designed to lower cholesterol levels. As part of a group known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, they’re often prescribed to treat high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
Some research also suggests atorvastatin may assist with wound and bone healing.
Goes P, Lima AP, Melo I.M, Brito GA, Rego RO and Lima V (2016) Low dose Atorvastatin can reduce ligature-induced alveolar bone loss in Wistar rats. Braz Dent J 27(2)67-72.2
Simvastatin has been shown to stimulate vascular endothelial growth and encourage neovascularization, thus speeding wound healing. Furthermore, Simvastatin was found effective at inhibiting periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans growth.
