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Atorvastatin

Brand names: Lipitor

Atorvastatin is a statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Brand namesLipitor
Type of medicineStatin (cholesterol medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Atorvastatin slows the liver's production of cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

It works best alongside a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking.

What it's used for

  • Lowering high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, at any time of day, with or without food.
  • Take it at the same time each day.
  • Keep taking it even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Diarrhea or upset stomach
  • Stuffy nose or sore throat
Call your provider todayUnexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or tiredness
Call your provider todayDark or tea-colored urine
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right belly
Call 911Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing

Warnings

  • Not used during pregnancy.
  • Tell your provider if you have liver disease or drink a lot of alcohol.
  • Statins can raise blood sugar slightly in some people.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Large amounts of grapefruit juice can raise the level of atorvastatin in your blood.
  • Some antibiotics (clarithromycin), antifungals, HIV medicines, cyclosporine, and gemfibrozil raise the risk of muscle problems.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Statins are generally stopped during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.