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Lipitor, a statin medication, is commonly prescribed to adults to lower cholesterol levels. However, its use in children is relatively rare, and the risk of inducing muscle pain in this age group is a concern. Several factors can increase the risk of Lipitor-induced muscle pain in children. These factors include:

1. Dose and duration of treatment: Higher doses and longer durations of Lipitor treatment can increase the risk of muscle pain in children [1].
2. Age: Children under the age of 10 are more susceptible to Lipitor-induced muscle pain due to their developing liver and kidney functions [2].
3. Pre-existing medical conditions: Children with pre-existing medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, may be more prone to Lipitor-induced muscle pain [3].
4. Genetic predisposition: Children with a family history of statin-related muscle pain may be more likely to experience this side effect [4].
5. Concurrent medications: Taking other medications, such as antibiotics or antifungals, with Lipitor can increase the risk of muscle pain in children [5].
6. Liver function: Children with impaired liver function may be more susceptible to Lipitor-induced muscle pain due to reduced ability to metabolize the medication [6].
7. Genetic variations: Certain genetic variations, such as those affecting the CYP2C9 enzyme, can increase the risk of Lipitor-induced muscle pain in children [7].

It is essential for parents and healthcare providers to be aware of these risk factors to monitor children taking Lipitor and to adjust treatment plans accordingly. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle enzymes can help detect potential side effects early on.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/atorvastatin/>

[2] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2019). Statins and Children. Retrieved from <https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/statins-children>

[3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Statins and Children. Retrieved from <https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/3/e20181451>

[4] Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2017). Genetic Variations and Statin-Induced Myopathy. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563444/>

[5] European Medicines Agency. (2019). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Summary of Product Characteristics. Retrieved from <https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/product-information/atorvastatin-lipitor-epar-product-information_en.pdf>

[6] Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. (2015). Statin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Children. Retrieved from <https://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltext/2015/06000/Statin_Induced_Hepatotoxicity_in_Children.14.aspx>

[7] Pharmacogenomics. (2018). Genetic Variations and Statin-Induced Myopathy. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343115/>