What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication popularly known as a “statin.” It helps reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol. Atorvastatin can be taken as a pill, or in the form of a liquid. Doctors typically prescribe it for people who are at risk for heart attack or stroke due to high cholesterol levels.
How Does it Work?
Atorvastatin works by blocking a enzyme in the liver that helps produce cholesterol. This makes it harder for the body to absorb cholesterol from foods. As a result, the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream drop. According to Harvard Medical School, taking atorvastatin can reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood by up to 50%.
Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Atorvastatin?
In general, people taking atorvastatin can continue to enjoy coffee. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Although atorvastatin does not interact with caffeine, drinking too much coffee can increase cholesterol levels. That’s because coffee contains cafestol, a compound that raises levels of “bad” cholesterol. People with high cholesterol may need to limit their coffee intake while taking atorvastatin, since it can counteract the drug’s effectiveness.
Additionally, atorvastatin can cause side effects like insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and irritability. These can be more pronounced if taken along with coffee. If any of these symptoms become bothersome, a person can consider reducing coffee intake while on atorvastatin.
How Much Coffee Can I Drink?
It’s difficult to give an exact number on how much coffee is too much, since everyone reacts differently. However, experts typically advise that people drink no more than three cups per day. The American Heart Association even recommends limiting it to two cups.
If you’re taking atorvastatin and drinking more than two or three cups of coffee per day, you may want to consider cutting back. Alternatively, you could try changing your type of coffee. For example, espresso and French press coffee contain more cafestol than other types like drip or instant.
Other Considerations
Although coffee isn’t known to interfere with atorvastatin, some foods and drinks can. Alcohol is known to interact with many medications, including atorvastatin. Some citrus fruits and juices can also inhibit the drug’s absorption.
It’s important to speak to your doctor before taking any drugs with atorvastatin. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that you take the medication safely.
Are There Benefits to Drinking Coffee?
Yes! Studies have linked coffee consumption to numerous health benefits. Coffee is a major source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease. It has been linked to a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Some research suggests that it may even extend lifespan.
Coffee may even provide benefits for people taking atorvastatin. Because the drug increases levels of “good” cholesterol, it could interact with compounds in coffee to enhance its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Talking to Your Doctor
If you’re taking atorvastatin, it’s important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications. While coffee likely won’t interfere with the drug, doctors can provide personalized advice and make sure that you’re taking it safely.
What Else Can I Do?
Along with limiting caffeine, there are a few other steps you can take to maximize the effects of atorvastatin. These include:
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing stress
These adjustments can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
In general, people taking atorvastatin can continue to enjoy coffee. However, it’s important to keep in mind that caffeine can raise cholesterol. If you’re taking atorvastatin and drinking more than two or three cups of coffee per day, you may want to consider limiting your intake. It’s also important to speak to your doctor about any lifestyle changes or medications that you’re taking. Finally, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can all help lower cholesterol levels while taking atorvastatin.
