What is atorvastatin used for?

Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults.

Can I take atorvastatin with food?

Yes, you can take atorvastatin with or without food.

What should I do if I have muscle pain while taking atorvastatin?

You should immediately tell your doctor if you experience unexplained or persistent muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Is atorvastatin safe to take if I am pregnant?

No, atorvastatin is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus.

What is the typical starting dose of atorvastatin?

Most people start with 10 mg or 20 mg once daily.

Can children take atorvastatin?

Yes, it is approved for certain children between the ages of 10 and 17.

Does atorvastatin affect my liver?

It can cause changes in liver enzymes, so your doctor may monitor your liver health with tests.

What happens if I take too much atorvastatin?

There is no specific antidote; doctors will treat you based on your symptoms and provide supportive care.

Atorvastatin | CAS 134523-00-5 | XUKUURHRXDUEBC

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HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)

Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that helps make cholesterol. It should be used along with a healthy diet to manage high cholesterol levels.

How it worksAtorvastatin blocks a specific enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the main step in making cholesterol in your body.

Brand names:LIPITOR

Used for

Reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chest pain (angina) in adults with high cholesterol or multiple risk factors.Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in adults.Managing high cholesterol in patients with certain genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.Reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Conditions

High cholesterolAtherosclerotic vascular diseaseCoronary heart disease (CHD)Type 2 diabetes

Class

StatinLipid-lowering agentHMG-CoA reductase inhibitorHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)CardiovascularMetabolic

How to take

FormsOral tablets

RoutesOral

The usual dose is 10 to 80 mg taken once every day. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Your doctor will decide your starting dose based on your needs. If you need a very large drop in cholesterol, you might start at 40 mg.

Key warnings

·Muscle problems: Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain or weakness, which in rare cases can lead to severe kidney damage (rhabdomyolysis). Report any unexplained muscle pain to your doctor immediately.
·Liver health: Your doctor may check your liver enzymes before you start and during treatment, as the drug can cause liver abnormalities.
·Stroke risk: In some patients who have had a stroke or TIA recently, a higher risk of bleeding in the brain was seen with higher doses.

Do not use if

·Active liver disease
·Pregnancy
·Breastfeeding
·Allergy to any part of the medication

Side effects

Common

Sore throat (nasopharyngitis)Joint pain (arthralgia)DiarrheaPain in limbsUrinary tract infections

Serious

·Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis)
·Liver enzyme abnormalities
·Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in certain high-risk patients
·Kidney issues related to muscle breakdown

Seek help if

·Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
·Signs of liver issues (yellow skin/eyes)
·Severe allergic reaction

Interactions

·Cyclosporine
·HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir or lopinavir)
·Hepatitis C protease inhibitors
·Clarithromycin and Itraconazole (limit dose to 20mg if used together)
·Fibrates and high doses of Niacin (increases muscle risk)
·Other medications like Zypitamag, Zocor, or Crestor

FoodFood can slightly change how the drug is absorbed, but it does not change how well it lowers your cholesterol.

Special populations

PregnancyAtorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby by interfering with cholesterol synthesis. If you become pregnant, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

BreastfeedingInformation for breastfeeding women is not provided in the source, but the drug is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm.

PediatricAtorvastatin is approved for children aged 10 to 17 years with specific types of high cholesterol (HeFH) as part of a diet plan.

GeriatricOlder adults (65 and older) may be more sensitive to muscle-related side effects, so the drug should be used with caution in this group.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Muscle pain or weakness
·Liver enzyme levels
·Cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides) levels

Questions to ask

·How will this drug affect my liver enzymes?
·What should I do if I feel muscle weakness?
·Are my other medications safe to take with atorvastatin?
·How often do I need blood tests to check my cholesterol?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetRapidly absorbed; max concentration in 1 to 2 hours.

BioavailabilityAbsolute bioavailability of atorvastatin is ~14%; systemic availability of inhibitory activity is ~30%.

Protein bindingExtensive drug binding to plasma proteins.

MetabolismSubject to hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific treatment for an overdose. Patients should receive supportive care and symptom management. Dialysis is not expected to be very effective at removing the drug from the body.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

Calcium carbonatecroscarmellose sodiumhydroxypropyl celluloselactose monohydratemagnesium stearatemicrocrystalline cellulosepolysorbate 80hypromellose 2910polyethylene glycol 6000titanium dioxidetalc

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.