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When it comes to taking Lipitor, a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, there are indeed some special precautions that individuals with hypertension should be aware of. It's crucial to have a thorough understanding of these precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment.

First and foremost, patients with hypertension should inform their healthcare provider of their condition before starting Lipitor [1]. This is because Lipitor can potentially interact with other medications used to treat high blood pressure, leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy of either drug.

Additionally, individuals with both hypertension and kidney disease should exercise extra caution when taking Lipitor [1]. This is because the drug is primarily metabolized by the kidneys, and its clearance may be affected in patients with renal impairment. As a result, the risk of developing side effects, such as muscle pain and weakness, may increase.

Another essential consideration for patients with hypertension taking Lipitor is monitoring their liver function [1]. Although rare, Lipitor has been associated with elevations in liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage. Regular liver function tests are recommended for patients taking the medication, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Lastly, it's important to note that Lipitor may interact with grapefruit juice [1]. Consuming grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor can increase the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, potentially leading to adverse effects. Therefore, patients should avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.

In summary, patients with hypertension should take the following precautions when taking Lipitor:

1. Inform their healthcare provider of their hypertension before starting Lipitor.
2. Exercise caution when taking Lipitor if they have both hypertension and kidney disease.
3. Undergo regular liver function tests while taking Lipitor.
4. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - DrugPatentWatch. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>