What is Atorvastatin? Uses, warnings & side effects
Atorvastatin is a commonly prescribed drug used to lower “bad” cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream while raising “good” cholesterol levels. Most people will take a tablet once per day, but a brand-name liquid version is available for people who can’t swallow a tablet. Though generally considered safe to take, atorvastatin can cause serious problems in some people, so it’s important to discuss the risks with the prescribing healthcare provider.
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Atorvastatin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Lipitor
Atorvaliq
Generic Names:
Atorvastatin calcium
Uses:
Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Reduces the risk of angina, stroke, heart attack, and certain heart and blood vessel problems
Therapeutic Classes:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Antihyperlipidemic
Forms:
Tablet
Oral suspension
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and fats in the bloodstream. It’s prescribed to adults to treat high cholesterol levels, high-fat levels, or both. It’s also used to prevent cardiovascular events (heart attack, chest pain, and stroke) in people with certain risk factors.
Key takeaways
Take atorvastatin as prescribed once daily, preferably at the same time each day.
Swallow atorvastatin tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush them.
If you miss an atorvastatin dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is closer to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its scheduled time. Never double the dose.
Do not abruptly stop taking atorvastatin without speaking to a healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare providers that you take atorvastatin and any other prescription and over-the-counter medications.
What form(s) does Atorvastatin come in?
Tablet
10 mg
20 mg
40 mg
80 mg
Oral suspension (liquid)
20 mg/5 mL
What are common Atorvastatin dosages?
For high cholesterol in adults: 10–80 mg once daily
For hereditary high cholesterol in adults and children 10 years of age and older: 10–80 mg once daily
For high fat levels in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia) in adults: 10–80 mg once daily
For prevention of stroke, heart attack, or angina in adults: 10–80 mg once daily
RELATED: Lipitor dosage, forms, and strengths
Atorvastatin images - What does Atorvastatin look like?
Atorvastatin Calcium
20mg blister of 1 tabletAtorvastatin Calcium
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10mg box of 100 tabletsAtorvastatin Calcium
20mg box of 100 tabletsAtorvastatin Calcium
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10mg box of 50 tabletsAtorvastatin Calcium
40mg box of 50 tabletsAtorvastatin Calcium
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30 tablets of 10mg punchcardAtorvastatin Calcium
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40mg tabletAtorvastatin Calcium
80mg tablet
How to take Atorvastatin
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed to find what works best for you.
Read and follow the patient instructions for this medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medicine once per day at any time of day.
HOW TO TAKE ATORVASTATIN TABLETS:
Atorvastatin tablets can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Store atorvastatin tablets at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.
HOW TO TAKE ATORVASTATIN ORAL SUSPENSION:
Atorvastatin oral suspension must be taken on an empty stomach (more than one hour before a meal or more than two hours after a meal).
Shake the bottle well before measuring out a dose.
Measure each dose using a calibrated oral syringe. If one is missing, the pharmacist can provide one.
After the bottle is opened, keep the medicine for only 60 days. After 60 days, throw out any unused medicine in the bottle.
Store the oral suspension in the original bottle at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Atorvastatin
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its scheduled time.
Do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.
Atorvastatin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Atorvastatin?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not take atorvastatin if you:
Have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin
Have active liver disease
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Atorvastatin warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed when taking atorvastatin.
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking this medicine, especially before a medical or dental procedure.
Your doctor will perform lab tests at regular visits to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you have:
Kidney disease
A history of liver disease
Diabetes
An infection
Low blood pressure
Muscle pain or weakness
Seizures
Thyroid problems
A recent stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly (two drinks per day).
This medicine may cause:
Muscle pain, muscle weakness, or severe muscle damage, which can lead to kidney problems, kidney failure, and possibly death
Liver problems
Increased blood sugar levels
Atorvastatin interactions & what to avoid when taking Atorvastatin
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking atorvastatin.
Tell other healthcare providers you are taking atorvastatin before they prescribe new medications.
The most serious side effect of atorvastatin is severe and even life-threatening muscle damage. Combining atorvastatin with certain drugs and foods increases the risk of this side effect. Potential drug interactions with atorvastatin include:
HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C medications
Antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
Macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
Anticholesterol drugs called fibrates
Niacin
Cyclosporine
Gemfibrozil
Colchicine
Other drugs combined with atorvastatin may also cause problems. These include:
Birth control pills
Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Colchicine
Rifampin
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin side effects - How does Atorvastatin make you feel?
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a serious side effect, including:
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes
Unusual tiredness
Fever
Blistering, peeling, or a red rash on the skin
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling of the face or hands, swelling or tingling of the mouth or throat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
Less serious side effects of atorvastatin include:
Runny nose, stuffy nose, or sore throat
Joint pain
Diarrhea
Pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
Sources:
Atorvaliq suspension, DailyMed (2024)
Lipitor- atorvastatin calcium tablet, film coated, DailyMed (2022)
4.8 calificación promedio4.8 calificación
