Atorvastatin

What is atorvastatin used for?

Atorvastatin is a prescription-only medication that belongs to a class of drugs called statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It is commonly known by the brand name Lipitor. It is primarily used to: 

• Lower high cholesterol 

• Reduce triglyceride levels 

• Increase good, or HDL, cholesterol 

• Prevent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes in people with high risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, or a family history of heart disease[3] 

How does atorvastatin work?

Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) necessary for making cholesterol. This leads to:  

• Reduced cholesterol production in the liver 

• Increased clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood  

• Lower total blood cholesterol levels[2]  

Who can take atorvastatin?

• Adults: Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed to adults with high cholesterol, heart disease, or risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart problems). 

• Children over 10 years old: It may also be prescribed to children aged 10 and above who have inherited conditions that cause very high cholesterol levels, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia.  

Atorvastatin is not suitable for some people. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you: 

• Have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any other medicine 

• Have lung, liver or kidney problems 

• Are or could be pregnant, or you’re breastfeeding 

• Have previously had a stroke caused by a brain bleed 

• Regularly drink large amounts of alcohol 

• Have an underactive thyroid  

• Have experienced side effects from statins in the past 

• Have had a muscle disorder 

• Have a history of myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia 

Chewable atorvastatin tablets contain an ingredient called aspartame. You should check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you have a rare inherited protein metabolism condition called phenylketonuria[3][2][1]. 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before starting atorvastatin, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[4].

What is the typical dosage of atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin comes in: 

• 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, and 80mg tablets 

• 10mg and 20mg chewable tablets. 

The usual dose for adults is between 10mg and 80mg a day. Your dose will depend on why you’re taking it, your cholesterol levels, and any other medication you’re taking[3]. 

How do you take atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is taken once daily. You can take it at any time of the day, but it’s important to take it at the same time each day to help you remember and keep a consistent level of the medicine in your body. 

Some doctors or pharmacists may suggest you take it in the evening because your body makes most of its cholesterol at night. 

Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food, but if you feel sick after you have it, you should try taking it with food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a drank of water, while chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole with water[1][3]. 

Can you stop taking atorvastatin?

You should not reduce or suddenly stop taking your atorvastatin medication without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first, as this may result in a rise in cholesterol levels increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes[3]. 

What do you do if you take too much atorvastatin?

Taking more than your prescribed dose of atorvastatin occasionally is unlikely to harm you. However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist is you’re concerned or if you’ve taken more than one extra dose. 

Regularly taking more then you’re prescribed can increase the risk of side effects and may affect other medications you may be taking, so it’s important to stick to your dose[3]. 

What do you do if you forget to take atorvastatin?

If you forget to take your regular dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at your normal time. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose[3]. 

What medicines can you and can’t take atorvastatin?

If you’ve been prescribed atorvastatin, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it with: 

• Antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin) 

• Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)  

• Some HIV or hepatitis medicines 

• Blood clot medicines like warfarin 

• Ciclosporin, colchicine, digoxin  

• Contraceptive medication (e.g., the combined pill) 

• Some high blood pressure and heart medicines (e.g., diltiazem or amlodipine) 

• Irregular heartbeat medicines (e.g., amiodarone)[1][3]

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[4]. 

What are the side effects of atorvastatin?

The most common side effects of atorvastatin will occur in around 1 in 100 people. They include: 

• Headaches 

• Nosebleeds 

• Nausea or indigestion 

• Sore throat 

• Cold-like symptoms 

• Constipation, flatulence, and/or diarrhoea 

Drinking lots of alcohol regularly will increase your chances of experiencing side effects with atorvastatin, and liver problems. 

You should stop taking atorvastatin and call a doctor or 111 immediately if you get rarer symptoms like: 

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps 

• Skin rash with red or pink blotches, especially on your palms or soles, as a sign of erythema multiforme 

• Stomach pain as a sign of acute pancreatitis 

• Coughing, shortness of breath, and weight loss as a sign of lung disease 

• Weakness in arms and legs, double vision, dropping eyelids, swallowing problems or shortness of breath as a sign of myasthenia gravis 

• Yellowing of the whites of your eyes and/or skin as a sign of liver problems 

Call 999 or go to A&E if you develop severe breathing or swallowing problems, or develop a serious allergic reaction.[1][3] 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[4].

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Frequently asked questions about atorvastatin

Can I drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin?  

You can drink while taking atorvastatin, but you should limit your alcohol intake, as it increases the risk of liver damage[1][3]. 

What food or drink should I avoid while taking atorvastatin? 

You should not drink too much grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. It can increase the amount of atorvastatin in your body and increase the risk of side effects[3].  

How long does atorvastatin take to work?  

Your cholesterol levels may improve within 2 weeks, but the full effects may only be seen after 4 to 6 weeks[3].  

Is atorvastatin safe to take long-term? 

Yes, when monitored regularly with blood tests for liver function and cholesterol levels[3]. 

Is atorvastatin addictive? 

No, there is no evidence that atorvastatin, or statins in general, are addictive[3]. 

Can taking Co-enzyme Q10 supplements with statins help? 

Some people pair Co-enzyme Q10 supplements with statins, but there’s no clear evidence that taking them at the same time as atorvastatin can benefit your health[3]. 

Can I stop taking atorvastatin if I feel fine?  

It is not recommended to stop taking atorvastatin without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist. Atorvastatin works in the background to lower your cholesterol and stopping may lead to a rise in cholesterol and so increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are not able to tolerate atorvastatin, should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before stopping so they can look at alternative medication[3]. 

Can atorvastatin affect my contraception? 

Atorvastatin can slightly increase the hormones released into your system from some types of contraception pills. You will still be protected from pregnancy, but there is an increased risk of side effects. If you do experience any side effects, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist[3]. 

Can I drive or ride a bike? 

Yes, atorvastatin should not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike[3]. 

What else can I do to reduce my cholesterol levels? 

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your cholesterol levels alongside taking atorvastatin. In some cases, these changes may lower your cholesterol enough that your doctor or pharmacist could consider stopping your statin.[3]. These lifestyle changes include: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight 

• Eating a balanced diet 

• Quitting smoking 

• Reducing alcohol intake 

• Exercising regularly

For the official NHS guide to atorvastatin, visit their website.