Atorvastatin

Pronunciation: a-TOR-va-sta-tin.

Last medically reviewed: August 14, 2026, by , MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine).

Generic name
atorvastatin
Brand names
Lipitor (United States, European Union), Sortis (parts of the European Union)
Drug class
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Form
Film-coated tablet
Route
Oral
Legal status
Prescription-only medicine

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand

Australia: Atorvastatin (multiple ARTG-registered brands) (5) · Full directory

What atorvastatin is and how it works

Atorvastatin is a prescription-only statin medicine that lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) the liver uses to make cholesterol. It is used to lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. (1)

Take atorvastatin exactly as your prescriber directs, usually once daily. Your exact dose (between 10 mg and 80 mg) is individually chosen based on your cholesterol levels, cardiovascular risk, and how you respond to treatment -- it is not a fixed dose for everyone.

Mechanism of action: how atorvastatin works

Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, which increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors and enhances LDL uptake and catabolism. (1) (2)

What atorvastatin is used for

Lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk

Used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia, and in inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (including a form used in some adolescents aged 10 and older). Also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, procedures to restore blood flow, and chest pain (angina) in adults with several cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes with risk factors, or existing coronary heart disease. (1) (2) (3)

Before taking atorvastatin

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not take atorvastatin if you have active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevation of liver enzyme (transaminase) blood tests. (all countries) (1) (2)
  • Do not take atorvastatin if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. (all countries) (1)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance genuinely differs by source: current UK/EU product information and some current US generic labelling describe atorvastatin as contraindicated during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and in anyone who could become pregnant and is not using effective contraception. Separately, in 2021 the US FDA requested removal of that blanket contraindication across the whole statin class, so that a prescriber and patient can individualise the decision -- particularly for patients at very high cardiovascular risk -- rather than it being an absolute rule for everyone. In all cases, whether to start, continue, or stop atorvastatin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is a decision for your prescriber, not a self-directed choice. (people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or could become pregnant) (1) (2)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any personal or family history of liver problems, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, or kidney problems.
  • Whether you are pregnant, could become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
  • Any history of diabetes, thyroid problems, or a stroke.
  • All other medicines you take, especially other cholesterol medicines (fibrates, niacin), ciclosporin, certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), certain antifungals (such as itraconazole), certain HIV medicines, colchicine, digoxin, warfarin, or oral contraceptives.
  • How much grapefruit juice you regularly drink.
(1) (2)

How to take atorvastatin

  • Take once daily, at any time of day, with or without food, as your prescriber directs.
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not change your dose without talking to your prescriber.
  • Your prescriber will usually recheck your cholesterol levels within about 4 weeks of starting or changing your dose, and may adjust your dose based on the result.
  • Avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice, which can increase atorvastatin levels in your body.
(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one. Contact your pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure.

Overdose

Seek urgent medical attention or contact a poison control service if you think you or someone else has taken too much atorvastatin, even without symptoms. (1)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Joint pain (arthralgia) and general muscle aches (myalgia).

What to notice: Joint pain (arthralgia) and general muscle aches (myalgia).

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)

Diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia), or nausea.

What to notice: Diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia), or nausea.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)

Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms) and headache.

What to notice: Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms) and headache.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)

Urinary tract infection.

What to notice: Urinary tract infection.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Serious warnings

Signs of muscle problems (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis) — emergency

Symptoms: Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it comes with feeling unwell, fever, or dark ('cola-coloured') urine.

Action: Contact your prescriber promptly, or seek emergency care if symptoms are severe; blood tests can check for muscle breakdown, and your prescriber will decide whether atorvastatin needs to be stopped or adjusted. (1) (2)

Signs of a serious liver problem — emergency

Symptoms: Unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Action: Contact your prescriber promptly for liver-function testing; seek emergency care for jaundice or severe symptoms. Your prescriber will decide whether atorvastatin needs to be stopped. (1) (2)

Signs of a severe allergic reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash or blistering skin.

Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately. (2)

New memory problems or confusion — high caution

Symptoms: Memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion.

Action: Tell your prescriber; this effect has been reported rarely with statins and is usually reported as reversible once a clinician reviews and adjusts treatment. (1)

Interactions

  • Ciclosporin and strong CYP3A4-inhibiting medicines (such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, and certain HIV medicines) can significantly raise atorvastatin levels and increase the risk of muscle problems; your prescriber may limit your dose or choose a different medicine. (1) (2)
  • Fibrates and niacin (other cholesterol medicines) increase the risk of muscle problems when combined with atorvastatin. (1) (2)
  • Large quantities of grapefruit juice can increase atorvastatin levels in the body and are not recommended. (2)
  • Colchicine combined with atorvastatin has been associated with muscle problems. (1)
  • Digoxin levels can rise moderately when taken with atorvastatin. (1)
  • Oral contraceptive hormone levels can increase when taken with atorvastatin. (1)
  • Warfarin: your prescriber may monitor your clotting times (prothrombin time) more closely. (2)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

Guidance genuinely varies by source. Current UK/EU product information and some current US labelling describe atorvastatin as contraindicated in pregnancy. Separately, in 2021 the US FDA requested that the blanket pregnancy contraindication be removed across the statin class, so that individual decisions can be made with a prescriber -- most patients are still advised to stop statins once pregnancy is recognised, though a small group at very high cardiovascular risk may continue under specialist guidance. This decision should always be made with your prescriber, never on your own. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether atorvastatin passes into human breast milk, though a small amount of a related statin does. Because of the potential for serious effects in a nursing infant, current product information advises against breastfeeding while taking atorvastatin -- discuss feeding options with your prescriber. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Children

A specific form of familial hypercholesterolaemia is treated with atorvastatin from age 10 in some countries, under specialist supervision. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Elderly

Age over 65 is a factor that can increase the risk of muscle-related side effects; your prescriber may monitor you more closely. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Hepatic_impairment

Atorvastatin is not used in active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevation of liver enzymes; liver function is checked before starting and during treatment. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Renal_impairment

Kidney problems can increase the risk of muscle-related side effects; tell your prescriber about any kidney issues. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Baseline cholesterol/lipid levels
  • Baseline liver function tests
  • Review of other medicines, especially those affecting statin levels or muscle risk

During treatment

  • Cholesterol/lipid levels rechecked, often around 4 weeks after starting or changing dose.
  • Liver function tests as clinically indicated.
  • Watching for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, and for signs of liver problems.
  • Blood sugar/HbA1c may be checked periodically, since statins can slightly raise blood glucose.
(1) (2)

Storage

Store below 25°C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

Study the drug class: Statins

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US FDA prescribing information and UK SmPC; verify against the current full label before prescribing.

United States

Indication: Hyperlipidaemia / cardiovascular risk reduction

Dose summary: 10-80 mg orally once daily; usual starting dose 10 or 20 mg (40 mg starting dose may be considered when a greater than 45% LDL-C reduction is needed); reassess and titrate at 2-4 week intervals. Pediatric heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (ages 10-17): start 10 mg daily, maximum 20 mg daily.

Renal context: No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment based on the source reviewed; renal impairment is a factor that can increase myopathy risk and should prompt closer monitoring. (1)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

Obtain liver enzyme tests before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter; a clinician will decide whether to interrupt or discontinue therapy if serious liver injury is suspected or persistent transaminase elevation (at least 3x the upper limit of normal) occurs.

Overdose note

No specific treatment for atorvastatin overdose is described in the source reviewed; general supportive measures and liver function monitoring are appropriate, per local poison-control guidance. (1) (2)

Frequently asked questions

Is atorvastatin available in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

Yes, it is approved and available in all of these regions, both as the original brand Lipitor and as generic atorvastatin. (1) (3) (2) (4) (5) (6)

Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin?

Large quantities of grapefruit juice can raise atorvastatin levels in your body and are not recommended. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance on how much, if any, is safe for you. (2)

Is atorvastatin safe in pregnancy?

This genuinely varies by source and situation. Many current product labels describe it as contraindicated in pregnancy, while updated US FDA guidance from 2021 allows prescribers to individualise this decision, particularly for patients at very high cardiovascular risk. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or could become pregnant, this is a decision to make with your prescriber, not on your own. (1) (2)

What is the mechanism of action of atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, which increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors and enhances LDL uptake and catabolism. (1) (2)

What is the generic name of Atorvastatin?

The generic name is atorvastatin. It is sold under brand names including Lipitor (United States, European Union), Sortis (parts of the European Union). (1)

What class of drug is atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is classed as: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). (1)

References

  1. ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM tablet, film coated -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · dated 2026-01-01 · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 1
  2. Atorvastatin 20 mg Film-coated Tablets -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom · United Kingdom · dated 2024-10-17 · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 2
  3. Sortis (atorvastatin) -- Article 29 paediatric referral / EU authorisation recordEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA) · European Union · dated 2010-07-01 · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 3
  4. Atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium tablets) -- Product MonographHealth Canada product monograph · Canada · dated 2026-03-18 · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 4
  5. Atorvastatin -- multiple ARTG registrations (e.g. ATORVASTATIN-WGR, ATORVASTATIN SZ)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 5
  6. Atorvastatin Pfizer -- New Zealand Data SheetMedsafe (New Zealand regulator) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient atorvastatin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Lipitor20 mg, 40 mg, 10 mg, 80 mg · viatris specialty llc
  • ATORVALIQ20 mg/5mL · cmp pharma, inc.

United Kingdom

  • Atorvastatin (multiple generic manufacturers) (2)MHRA licensed emc smpc confirmed · 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg · multiple UK generic manufacturers

Canada

  • LIPITOR

Australia

  • Atorvastatin (multiple ARTG-registered brands) (5)TGA ARTG registered confirmed · 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg · multiple sponsors (e.g. Sandoz, GM Pharma International)

New Zealand

  • Atorvastatin Pfizer (6)Medsafe approved confirmed · 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg · Pfizer New Zealand
View brands in additional countries.

European Union

Sortis / Lipitor (and generics) (3)

This page provides general reference information about atorvastatin and is not a substitute for advice from the prescriber managing your treatment. All dosing and treatment decisions, including any decision about pregnancy or breastfeeding, should be made with your prescriber.

Last medically reviewed: August 14, 2026, by , MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine). See the medical review policy.

Related medicines

Related conditions