In the process of atherosclerosis, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue cells build up on the artery walls to form plaques that reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart, brain, and various other organs. Heart illness, chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke may arise from these plaques abruptly breaking and obstructing the flow of blood.
Atorvastatin is a drug that reduces the creation of cholesterol and aids in plaque stabilization, avoiding rupture and these potentially fatal diseases. However, atorvastatin interacts with numerous drugs, necessitating dosage monitoring or change.
Yet, some interactions might result in substantial side effects such as muscle soreness, tightness, weakening, and even muscle tissue destruction. It is not advised to take atorvastatin with cyclosporine, ritonavir, and other drugs because of the severity of such interactions.