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Atorvastatin

Definition, side effects & dosage

What is Atorvastatin?

Also known as (Brand Names): Lipitor

Atorvastatin, combined with diet and exercise, is used to lower cholesterol and prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems. It is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or a statin, which reduces cholesterol by blocking the production of certain enzymes in the blood.

Atorvastatin has been shown to lower total cholesterol by 30-46% and triglycerides by 30-56%.

Atorvastatin Side Effects

As with most medications, there are side effects and risks associated with taking atorvastatin. This is not a complete list. If you experience any other symptoms, contact your doctor.

Common side effects

Common side effects of atorvastatin include, but are not limited to, muscle pain and weakness.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects of atorvastatin include cholestasis, characterized by jaundice, dark urine, and light colored stools.

Rare side effects

The following side effects are rarely experienced by patients taking atorvastatin:

  • Rhabdomyolysis characterized by dark colored urine, fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscle pain or stiffness, unusual fatigue, or weakness.
  • Myalgia characterized by unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
  • Rhabdomyolysis characterized by muscle weakness or tenderness and red-brown urine.
  • Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy characterized by muscle weakness, falling, fatigue, high fever, or generally feeling unwell.
  • Pancreatitis characterized by upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and abdomen tenderness.
  • Liver damage characterized by headache, stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, light-colored stools, or yellow eyes or skin.
  • Thrombocytopenia characterized by excessive bruising or bleeding, fatigue, and weakness.

Very rare side effects

In very rare cases, people taking atorvastatin can experience the following side effects:

  • In children, look for bone pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, or the presence of a lump with swelling, pain, and tenderness near it. This could indicate Ewing's Sarcoma.
  • Hepatitis characterized by abdominal pain, fatigue, itchiness, brain fog, light colored stool, or yellowing of the skin.
  • Interstitial lung disease characterized by shortness of breath exacerbated by activity accompanies by a dry cough.

Other side effects

It is unknown how commonly the following side effects occur for patients taking atorvastatin:

  • Depression characterized by sleeping problems, appetite changes, social withdrawal, reduced libido, suicidal ideation, or feelings of worthlessness, guilt, regret, helplessness, or hopelessness.
  • Hyperglycemia characterized by increased thirst, dry skin, frequent urination, headache, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Atorvastatin Dosage

Do Not Take

Patients should avoid taking atorvastatin if any of the following statements are true.

Allergic reactions

Do not take atorvastatin if you are allergic to atorvastatin or any ingredient in the formulation or packaging.

Interactions and contraindications

Do not take atorvastatin if you are taking posaconazole, ritonavir, cyclosporine, letermovir, pibrentasvir, or tipranavir. You should also avoid atorvastatin if you are taking medicine to treat hepatitis C including telaprevir, boceprevir, glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, elbasvir, grazoprevir, simeprevir, velpatasvir, sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, or sofosbuvir. This is not a comprehensive list, so make sure to review all your medications with your doctor before starting atorvastatin.

Children and young adults

Children under the age of 10 should not take atorvastatin.

Pregnancy and lactation

Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

Medical history

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism, diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, seizures, electrolyte disorders, endocrine disorders, hypotension, metabolic disorders, sepsis, strokes, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Other precautions

Do not drink grapefruit juice while on atorvastatin, as it may increase your risk of muscle injury or kidney problems.