Class Name(s):

• 24:06.08 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Pronunciation:

• (a tore' va sta tin)

Brand Name(s):

• Atorvaliq^®
• Lipitor^®
• Caduet^® (as a combination product containing Amlodipine, Atorvastatin)
• Lypqozet^® (as a combination product containing Atorvastatin, Ezetimibe)
• Liptruzet^® (as a combination product containing Atorvastatin, Ezetimibe)¶; also available generically

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Atorvastatin is used to

• reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
• decrease the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance that can build up and clog blood vessels causing heart attacks or strokes or other health problems)

Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing how much cholesterol your body makes. This lowers the amount of cholesterol that can build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Atorvastatin comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. Take the tablet once a day with or without food. Take the suspension once a day on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Take atorvastatin at around the same time every day.

Take atorvastatin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of atorvastatin and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2 to 4 weeks.

If you are taking the suspension, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use a properly marked measuring device such as a medicine spoon or oral syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help getting or using a measuring device.

Continue to take atorvastatin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking atorvastatin without talking to your doctor.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking atorvastatin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking atorvastatin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• the following nonprescription products may interact with atorvastatin: cimetidine and niacin. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking atorvastatin. Do not start any of these medications while taking atorvastatin without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have or ever had liver disease. Your doctor will order laboratory tests to see how well your liver is working even if you do not think you have liver disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take atorvastatin if you have liver disease or if the tests show you may be developing liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily, if you are 65 years of age or older, and if you have or have ever had muscle aches or weakness, diabetes, seizures, low blood pressure, or thyroid or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking atorvastatin, stop taking atorvastatin and call your doctor immediately. Atorvastatin may harm the fetus.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while you are taking this medication.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking atorvastatin. If you are hospitalized due to serious injury or infection, tell the doctor who treats you that you are taking atorvastatin.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking atorvastatin. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. You can also visit the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) website for additional dietary information at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.pdf.

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss a dose of the tablet, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you miss a dose of the suspension, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Atorvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• heartburn
• gas
• joint pain
• forgetfulness or memory loss
• confusion

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor or get emergency medical help immediately:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; lack of energy, extreme tiredness or weakness; fever; flu-like symptoms
• nausea; unusual bleeding or bruising; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; dark-colored urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes
• rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness
• chest pain

Atorvastatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests during your treatment, especially if you develop symptoms of liver damage.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking atorvastatin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: February 15, 2026.