Atorvastatin (commonly supplied as atorvastatin calcium)
Brand names (as verified)
Atorva; Lipitor (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablet strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in selected patients. It is generally used alongside lifestyle measures and an individualized cardiovascular-risk plan.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in pregnancy and in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver-test abnormalities, subject to current product labeling and specialist assessment. Do not use after serious hypersensitivity to the ingredient.
Important precautions
Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or unusual tiredness. Liver disease, substantial alcohol use, thyroid problems and interacting medicines can increase risks. Do not stop or change treatment without advice.
Common side effects
Possible effects include muscle or joint discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion and nausea.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Rare serious effects include muscle breakdown with kidney injury, significant liver injury and severe allergy. Dark urine, jaundice or severe muscle symptoms need urgent assessment.
Important interactions
Interactions can occur with selected macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, antiviral medicines, cyclosporine, fibrates and other medicines that raise muscle-injury risk. Grapefruit intake may matter for some patients.
Allergy considerations
Avoid after a serious allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any product ingredient.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Atorvastatin is generally stopped during pregnancy; a small number of very high-risk cases may require specialist planning. Contact the prescribing clinician promptly if pregnancy occurs.
Information
Lactation safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking atorvastatin. A clinician should plan an appropriate alternative or feeding strategy.
Children and older adults
Treatment goals, dose and monitoring depend on cardiovascular risk and age. Paediatric use is restricted to specific indications and specialist guidance.
Storage
Store in original packaging at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep away from children.
Missed dose
Follow the prescription label. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed tablet.
Overdose
Seek medical advice if more than prescribed has been taken. Report severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine or yellowing of the skin urgently.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) — RxNorm (National Library of Medicine)source(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
Atorvastatin (commonly supplied as atorvastatin calcium)
Brand names (as verified)
Atorva; Lipitor (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablet strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in selected patients. It is generally used alongside lifestyle measures and an individualized cardiovascular-risk plan.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in pregnancy and in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver-test abnormalities, subject to current product labeling and specialist assessment. Do not use after serious hypersensitivity to the ingredient.
Important precautions
Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or unusual tiredness. Liver disease, substantial alcohol use, thyroid problems and interacting medicines can increase risks. Do not stop or change treatment without advice.
Common side effects
Possible effects include muscle or joint discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion and nausea.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Rare serious effects include muscle breakdown with kidney injury, significant liver injury and severe allergy. Dark urine, jaundice or severe muscle symptoms need urgent assessment.
Important interactions
Interactions can occur with selected macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, antiviral medicines, cyclosporine, fibrates and other medicines that raise muscle-injury risk. Grapefruit intake may matter for some patients.
Allergy considerations
Avoid after a serious allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any product ingredient.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Atorvastatin is generally stopped during pregnancy; a small number of very high-risk cases may require specialist planning. Contact the prescribing clinician promptly if pregnancy occurs.
Information
Lactation safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking atorvastatin. A clinician should plan an appropriate alternative or feeding strategy.
Children and older adults
Treatment goals, dose and monitoring depend on cardiovascular risk and age. Paediatric use is restricted to specific indications and specialist guidance.
Storage
Store in original packaging at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep away from children.
Missed dose
Follow the prescription label. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed tablet.
Overdose
Seek medical advice if more than prescribed has been taken. Report severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine or yellowing of the skin urgently.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) — RxNorm (National Library of Medicine)source(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
