About

Atorvastatin is a medicine used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver, lowering levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raising "good" HDL cholesterol.

Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed for:

• High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
• Prevention of heart attacks or strokes in people at risk
• Management of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Reducing cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes or other risk factors

Atorvastatin is available in:

• Tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)

How and When to Use It

Take atorvastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage: Usually taken once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. Your doctor will determine the dose based on your cholesterol levels and risk factors.

Swallow tablets with water. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets.

Continue taking atorvastatin even if you feel well — high cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

Contraindications

Do not take atorvastatin if you have:

• Allergy to atorvastatin or other statins
• Active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver enzyme elevations
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe muscle problems or history of statin-induced muscle disease

Side Effects

Like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects:

• Muscle aches or weakness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Indigestion or nausea

Serious side effects — seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (may indicate rhabdomyolysis)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (possible liver problems)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Regular monitoring of liver function and cholesterol levels is usually recommended during treatment.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Fertility

Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the baby.

There is no evidence that atorvastatin affects fertility in men or women.

Interactions With Other Medications

Some medicines can affect how atorvastatin works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you take:

• Certain antibiotics or antifungals (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole)
• Other cholesterol-lowering medicines (e.g., fibrates, niacin)
• Some heart medications (e.g., amiodarone, verapamil)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice — may increase the risk of side effects

Frequently Asked Questions