Altocor is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Altocor blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Altocor is used, along with diet changes to lower cholesterol levels in people with primary hypercholesterolemia (too much cholesterol in the bloodstream).

Altocor is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. This is important in the prevention of heart disease and hardening of

Altocor works by inhibiting the rate at which cholesterol is formed in the body.

Altocor blocks the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. In turn, the liver must acquire its cholesterol from the blood stream. Altocor does so mainly in the form of LDL. Altocor makes this possible by increasing LDL receptors. Altocor also may help draw cholesterol to the liver for excretion.

Altocor lowers overall blood cholesterol as well

Altocor should be taken with meals.

Take each dose of Altocor with a full glass of water.

Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Altocor ,

Altocor tends to enhance the blood-thinning effect of Coumadin. In rare instances, Altocor can also cause muscle pain and potential kidney damage when combined with the following:

• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others)
• Fenofibrate (Tricor)
• Fluconazole (DiFlucan)
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Nefazodone
  Top | Read More on Possible food and drug interactions with Altocor
  
  

Most important fact about Altocor
Altocor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It s important to remember that Altocor is a supplement--not a substitute--for these other measures. To get the full benefit of Altocor , you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastdeeding
You should take Altocor only if pregnancy is highly unlikely.

More common side effects of Altocor may include:

• abdominal pain/cramps,
• altered sense of taste,
• blurred vision,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• gas,
• headache,
• heartburn,
• indigestion,
• itching,
• muscle cramps,
• muscle pain,
• muscle weakness with rash,
• nausea,
• rash,
• weakness.

Less common side effects of Altocor