Atorvastatin

Description

Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body. Thus, it helps in reducing blood cholesterol levels. It also prevents the risk of heart problems. Atorvastatin may cause common side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhoea/constipation, indigestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist for a long time or if they become severe. Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day to maintain a constant level of this medicine in your body. Do not skip a dose or discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor. Atorvastatin is not recommended if you are allergic to it, or have liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes as this medicine may affect your blood sugar control. This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Atorvastatin

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Back pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
  • Weakness
  • Skin rash
  • Stuffy nose

Uses of Atorvastatin

What is it prescribed for?

  • Hypercholesterolaemia
  • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The time required for Atorvastatin to show its effect is not clinically known.
  • Duration of effect
    Atorvastatin may remain in your body for an average duration of 3 days.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Avoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Atorvastatin as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies have been reported with Atorvastatin.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Atorvastatin is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it may harm your foetus.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Atorvastatin is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may harm your baby.

Allergy

Avoid taking Atorvastatin if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling/itching (especially in the face/throat/tongue), sneezing, breathing difficulty, etc. after taking this medicine.

Active liver disease

Atorvastatin is broken down in your liver. Hence, this medicine is not recommended if you have pre-existing liver problems as it may lead to the accumulation of Atorvastatin and increase the risk of side effects. It may also cause further liver damage.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Atorvastatin is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it may harm your foetus.

Breast-feeding

Atorvastatin is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may harm your baby.
General warnings

Muscle damage

Atorvastatin may increase your risk of muscle damage. Hence, inform your doctor if you experience symptoms like muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, dark-colored urine, etc.

Increased liver enzyme levels

Atorvastatin may increase the levels of liver enzymes in the body. Hence, use this medicine with caution if you have a history of liver problems. Your doctor may suggest tests to periodically monitor your liver enzyme levels while taking this medicine.

Other medicines

Atorvastatin may interact with other medicines and may cause undesired effects. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs or supplements before starting treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

Try not to skip a dose of Atorvastatin. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Do not take excess dose than prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you suspect an overdose with Atorvastatin.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Avoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Atorvastatin as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Interaction with Medicine

Fenofibrate

Verapamil

Erythromycin or clarithromycin

Cimetidine

Ritonavir

Ezetimibe

Azithromycin

Hydroxychloroquine

Amlodipine

Ketoconazole

Disease interactions

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which there is a breakdown of muscle tissue that results in the release of a protein (myoglobin) into the blood. This may lead to complications like kidney damage. Use Atorvastatin with caution if you have rhabdomyolysis as it may further worsen your condition. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, fever, dark/reddish urine, etc. Your doctor may suggest tests to periodically monitor the creatine phosphokinase levels (high levels of this enzyme indicate muscle injury) while taking this medicine.

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment is a condition in which you experience a decline in mental abilities such as memory and thinking skills. Atorvastatin may increase your risk of cognitive impairment such as memory loss, forgetfulness, confusion, etc. Hence, use this medicine with caution in such conditions.

Diabetes

Use Atorvastatin with caution if you have diabetes as this medicine may alter the blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medicine.
Food interactions
Avoid taking Atorvastatin with grapefruit juice as it may increase the concentration of this medicine in your blood. This may increase the risk of side effects.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Atorvastatin with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Do not break or chew the tablet/capsule. Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed dose. Avoid taking Atorvastatin with grapefruit juice as it may increase the risk of side effects. Atorvastatin may increase your risk of muscle damage. Hence, consult your doctor if you experience muscle pain/tenderness. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works
Atorvastatin works by blocking the action of an enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol in your body and effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Statins, Antihyperlipidaemic agents

Schedule

Schedule H

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Atorvastatin 20 mg Film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 6 September 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4343/smpc>

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 6 September 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4343.pdf>

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 6 September 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020702s057lbl.pdf>

Drugs, H., 2021. Atorvastatin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 6 September 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600045.html>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - LIPITOR- atorvastatin calcium tablet, film coated. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 6 September 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228>

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Information on this page was last updated on 17 Sep 2021

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.