Atorvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo
Atorvastatin
Rx Only
Therapeutic ClassHMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
Common Dose10–80 mg once daily
Max / 24h80 mg
PregnancyCategory X
Indications ▼
Hypercholesterolemia (primary and familial)
Mixed dyslipidemia
Prevention of cardiovascular disease (primary and secondary)
Reduction of LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides
Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼
Mechanism: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, decreasing cholesterol synthesis and upregulating LDL receptors, resulting in reduced LDL-C levels.
Pharmacokinetics: Oral absorption ~14%; peak plasma 1–2 hr; extensively metabolized by CYP3A4; half-life 14 hr; excreted mainly in bile.
Dosage & Administration ▼
| Patient Category | Recommended Dose | Max / 24h |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 10–20 mg once daily; titrate to 80 mg if needed | 80 mg |
| Elderly | Start 10 mg once daily; monitor liver function | 80 mg |
| Children (≥10 yr, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) | 10 mg once daily; adjust as needed | 20 mg |
Take with or without food; same time each day preferred.
Side Effects ▼
Common: Myalgia, headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia
Occasional: Elevated liver enzymes, nausea, rash
Rare: Rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, hepatitis
Contraindications ▼
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Category X)
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of liver enzymes
Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or other statins
Drug Interaction ▼
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) increase atorvastatin levels
Other lipid-lowering drugs (fibrates) may increase risk of myopathy
Grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations
Pregnancy & Lactation ▼
Contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X)
Do not use during breastfeeding
Clinical / Research Summary ▼
Lipid Reduction: Significantly lowers LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides; modestly increases HDL-C.
Cardiovascular Outcomes: Reduces risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization procedures.
Safety Profile: Generally well-tolerated; monitor liver function and CK levels in high-risk patients.
Research Focus: Combination therapy with ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors, long-term prevention of atherosclerotic events.
Patient Counseling Points ▼
How to take: Take once daily, same time each day, with or without food
Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered; do not double dose
Possible side effects: Muscle pain, liver enzyme elevation; report severe muscle symptoms
Monitor: Regular lipid profile, liver function, CK if symptomatic
Drug interactions: Inform doctor about other medications, especially CYP3A4 inhibitors
Lifestyle advice: Maintain diet and exercise regimen to optimize effect
Pregnancy and safety: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Storage & Handling ▼
Store at 20–25°C; protect from moisture and light
Keep out of reach of children
Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼
Atorva
Lipitor
Aztor
Lipitor
Torvast
Atorvastatin Sandoz
Medical Disclaimer: This clinical summary is for informational purposes only. Always follow guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for dosage, interactions, and use.
.png)
