What is atorvastatin calcium?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 7, 2023

Atorvastatin calcium, which is marketed under the brand name Lipitor, is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (statin) that works to slow down the body’s production of cholesterol. In turn, it reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and angina (chest pain) in patients with or without coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, primary hyperlipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and a variety of other conditions. It can be used with adults and pediatric patients ten years of age or older.

How does atorvastatin calcium work?

Atorvastatin calcium blocks the enzyme, or protein, in your liver that makes cholesterol. This reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as the “bad” cholesterol levels in your body, and raises the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the “good” cholesterol levels in your body. It also lowers triglycerides, which are a type of fat in your body. Similar to other statin drugs, atorvastatin calcium will help protect your heart and blood vessels and reduce your risk of the fatal and non-fatal outcomes of high cholesterol levels.

What doses of atorvastatin calcium are available?

The exact dosage your healthcare provider will prescribe will depend on which disease or condition atorvastatin calcium is treating. Tablets come between 10 mg to 80 mg and are usually taken once daily. The standard starting dosage for adults is 10 mg to 20 mg daily. However, tablets come in 40 mg and 80mg strengths as well. Pediatric patients should start at 10 mg once daily, with the maximum recommended dose of 20 mg once daily.

How do you use atorvastatin calcium?

Be sure you follow all directions given by your healthcare provider and read all drug information on the medication guide or instruction sheets. Atorvastatin calcium is a pill that is recommended to be taken at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless 12 hours have passed. If that happens, simply skip that dose and take the next one at your normal time.

Often, you will be advised to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and drink limited alcohol throughout your treatment. Make sure to speak to your doctor about specifics you should follow for your diet and how often you will need to monitor your cardiovascular (heart) health and liver function through regular blood tests.

What are the side effects of atorvastatin calcium?

The most common side effects of atorvastatin calcium in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

Diarrhea
Common cold symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat)
Pain in extremity
Urinary tract infection
Muscle and joint pain

Rarely, atorvastatin calcium may cause some serious side effects, including:

Severe muscle pain, muscle weakness (myopathy), and muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). Your chances of muscle problems will increase if:
- You are 65 years or older
- Have thyroid problems that are not controlled
- Have kidney problems
- Drink large amounts of grapefruit juice
Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience signs of muscle problems, including:
- Dark brown urine
- Fever
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Tiredness
Worsening liver problems or liver failure. Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Swelling of your stomach
- Yellowing in the whites of your eyes or your skin
- Brown or dark urine
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
Serious allergic reactions. Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and/or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hives
Increased blood sugar levels
- Make sure you are following a healthy diet in conjunction with your doctor’s prescription.

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking atorvastatin calcium. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Atorvastatin calcium drug interactions

When atorvastatin calcium is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Some drug interactions with atorvastatin calcium include:

Colchicine
Rifampin
Ritonavir
Specific antibiotics, including:
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
Other cholesterol-lowering medications, including:
- Gemfibrozil
- Niacin
Antifungal drugs, including:
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole

Atorvastatin calcium precautions

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

Drink more than two glasses of alcohol daily
Have liver problems or liver disease
Have unexplained muscle aches or weakness
Have thyroid problems
Have kidney disease
Have diabetes
Have had a stroke
Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- If you become pregnant, stop treatment and call your doctor right away. Atorvastatin calcium might harm your unborn baby.
- You should not breastfeed and take atorvastatin calcium. Speak to your doctor about which is best for you.

Is there a generic available for atorvastatin calcium?

Atorvastatin calcium is the generic form of the brand name Lipitor (tablet) and Atorvaliq (liquid suspension). All include the active ingredient atorvastatin calcium.