Atorvastatin: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Atorvastatin is a statin medicine that lowers LDL, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, and helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with increased cardiovascular risk. It may also be used to treat inherited conditions that cause high cholesterol.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once daily to lower cholesterol and protect the heart. Take it only as prescribed, and contact a doctor or pharmacist about new symptoms, other medicines, or possible pregnancy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA05
- Generic
- Atorvastatin
- Class
- statin
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Half-life (h)
- 14
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- —
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10-80 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-20 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generalavoid use
atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception
discontinue if pregnancy occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
generaldiscontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
atorvastatin is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
over 65start at low end of dosing range
increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in elderly patients; consider lower starting dose and close monitoring for muscle-related adverse effects
regular monitoring of renal function and creatine kinase levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
10 to 17 yearsdose based on indication; for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia start at 10 mg once daily
approved for use in pediatric patients 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia; treatment should be initiated under supervision of a specialist
monitor growth and development; regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeno dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment; use with caution in severe renal impairment
patients with severe renal impairment should be started at lower doses and monitored closely; increased risk of myopathy in these patients
monitor renal function and creatine kinase levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
active liver diseasenot applicable
atorvastatin is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
liver function tests should be performed before initiation and periodically thereafter
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
heavy alcohol uselimit alcohol consumption; consider lower dose
excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of liver damage; patients should be advised to limit alcohol intake
regular monitoring of liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Atorvastatin was first approved for medical use in the United States
Drug class
Mechanism of action classification for Atorvastatin
Commonly prescribed since
Time period when Atorvastatin became widely prescribed
Primary indications
Main therapeutic uses of Atorvastatin in clinical practice
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (2)
May affect liver function
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy