Atorvastatin Calcium
Atorvastatin Calcium is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, thereby lowering overall cholesterol levels in the blood. This medication is typically prescribed alongside diet and lifestyle changes for patients with elevated lipid levels or those at high risk for heart disease.
A cholesterol-lowering statin medication used to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with high cholesterol or related conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 83366
- Generic
- Atorvastatin Calcium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- 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
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
do not use during pregnancy. Discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs.
discontinue immediately upon pregnancy confirmation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid completely
continue avoidance throughout pregnancy
fetal monitoring if exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid completely
do not breastfeed while taking atorvastatin. Consider alternative feeding method.
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusstart with lowest effective dose
initiate therapy at 10mg daily, monitor closely for adverse effects especially myopathy
regular liver function tests and creatine kinase monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 10 to 17dose based on weight, max 20mg daily
use for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in patients age 10-17 years
monitor growth and development, regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
standard dosing, monitor renal function periodically
routine serum creatinine monitoring
hepatic_impairment
active liver diseasecontraindicated
do not use in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations
liver function tests before and during therapy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
heavy alcohol uselimit alcohol intake, consider lower dose
avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Monitor liver function closely.
regular liver function tests, more frequent monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Atorvastatin Calcium
Drug class
Pharmacological classification according to ATC system
Primary therapeutic use
Primary clinical indications for Atorvastatin Calcium
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides), reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease or multiple risk factors, and occasionally for certain inherited lipid disorders.
Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It works by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which is responsible for producing cholesterol. This reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream and can help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
Should be used with caution in patients with liver disease or history of muscle problems. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Common side effects may include muscle aches and joint pain. Regular blood tests to monitor liver function and lipid levels are typically recommended during treatment. Patients should maintain a heart-healthy diet while on this medication.
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 (1)
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