Medicine Highlights
Uses | 1- To treat bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) |
Common Side Effects | 1- Indigestion 2- Stomach pain 3- Diarrhea 4- Nausea 5- Urinary tract infection |
Additional Information | Avoid consuming grapes, alcohol, and tobacco while taking this medicine. |
Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Atorvastatin Summary
Atorvastatin 10 mg is a medication used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by blocking a protein responsible for cholesterol production. It’s typically prescribed for high cholesterol and should be taken daily as directed by your doctor. Common side effects include stomach discomfort, muscle pain, and dizziness. Serious side effects like chest tightness or trouble swallowing are rare but require attention. It’s important not to take atorvastatin if you’re pregnant, have liver disease, or are breastfeeding. Avoid grapefruit, alcohol, and tobacco while on the medication. For best results, pair atorvastatin with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Foods like almonds, garlic, and fruits rich in vitamin C, along with regular physical activity, can help manage cholesterol more effectively.
Atorvastatin Uses
Atorvastatin 10 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of lipid lowering medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- Increased level of bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
Directions for use
- Take atorvastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking atorvastatin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Atorvastatin side effects
More Common
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Urinary tract infection
Less Common
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Hives, itching, skin rash
- Muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
How Atorvastatin works
Atorvastatin reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body by inhibiting a protein called 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), which is responsible for cholesterol production.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Pregnancy
This medicine is unsafe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.
📌 2- Liver Disease
This medicine should not be taken by patients with pre-existing liver disease.
📌 3- Breastfeeding
This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as traces of it can be found in breast milk.
Atorvastatin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking atorvastatin 10 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Atorvastatin Interaction with Food Product
Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with this medicine. Additionally, avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can affect how the medicine works.
Atorvastatin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
(3R,5R)-7-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid

Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take rosuvastatin as suggested by your doctor. Your dose can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how you respond to the medication. Do not exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Atorvastatin should not be taken more than 80 mg per day. The symptoms of overdose include muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, diarrhea, nausea, confusion and dark colored urine.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
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FAQ’s
1. Why is atorvastatin given at night?
➡️ Doctors recommend taking atorvastatin at night because the body produces most of its cholesterol during this time. Taking the medication at night helps to target the high cholesterol levels more effectively.
2. Can atorvastatin lower blood pressure?
➡️ A study conducted on 50 patients with high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels showed that atorvastatin can help lower blood pressure. However, this medication should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
3. Can atorvastatin be taken in the morning?
➡️ Yes, atorvastatin can be taken in the morning. However, it is important to take it at the same time every day to maintain consistency.
4. How many times a day should atorvastatin be taken?
➡️ Atorvastatin is typically taken once a day. However, always follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage and timing.
Reference
- Fresenius Kabi Limited. Midazolam 1 mg/ml Solution for Injection or Infusion – Summary of Product Characteristics [Internet]. Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 3]. Available from.
- Healthline. Atorvastatin oral tablet: uses, dosage, and side effects [Internet]. Healthline; 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 3]. Available from.
- NHS. How and when to take atorvastatin [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 3]. Available from.
- Kanaki AI, Sarafidis PA, Georgianos PI, Stafylas PC, Kanavos K, Tziolas IM, Lasaridis AN. Low-dose atorvastatin reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Hum Hypertens. 2012 Oct;26(10):577-84. doi: 10.1038/jhh.2011.80. Epub 2011 Sep 1. PMID: 21881597. Available from.
- NHS. How and when to take atorvastatin [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 3]. Available from.