Atorvastatin
Generic name: atorvastatin
What is atorvastatin used for?
If you are wondering what is atorvastatin used for, in the UK it is mainly prescribed as part of long-term care to lower raised cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people whose overall risk has been assessed by a doctor. It belongs to a group of medicines called statins.
Atorvastatin is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Your GP or pharmacist may advise you on diet, physical activity, stopping smoking, and blood pressure or diabetes control alongside tablets, where those apply to you.
This page describes atorvastatin in general terms. It does not tell you whether you personally should take it, or at what dose — only your prescriber can decide that after reviewing your history, blood tests, and other medicines.
How does atorvastatin work?
Your liver makes cholesterol. Atorvastatin works mainly by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to produce cholesterol, so less enters the bloodstream. Over weeks and months, this usually lowers LDL cholesterol (sometimes called “bad” cholesterol) and may also have beneficial effects on triglycerides and HDL, depending on the person.
Lowering cholesterol is one part of reducing cardiovascular risk. How much benefit you might get from a statin depends on many factors, including age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history. Your clinician can explain how atorvastatin fits your individual plan.
The medicine does not work instantly; it needs to be taken regularly as prescribed. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have questions about what to expect from treatment.
How and when to take atorvastatin
Atorvastatin dosage
Atorvastatin dosage is individual. In the UK, adults are often started on a standard dose (commonly 10 mg or 20 mg once daily), which may be increased gradually if cholesterol targets are not met and the medicine is well tolerated. Some people stay on a lower dose throughout treatment.
Tablets come in different strengths; the number on the pack should match what your prescription says. Swallow tablets whole with water unless your prescriber has given different instructions for your brand.
Do not change your atorvastatin dosage or stop taking it because your cholesterol has improved on a blood test — your GP usually decides if and when to reduce treatment. Similarly, do not increase your own dose. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you feel your cholesterol care needs review.
When to take it and with food
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day. Many people take it in the evening, because the body makes more cholesterol at night, but follow the instructions on your label — some prescribers are happy with any consistent time that helps you remember.
You can typically take atorvastatin with or without food. If the manufacturer’s leaflet for your specific product says something different, follow that leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
If you vomit soon after a dose, or you are not sure whether to take another tablet, speak to your pharmacist for advice for that day.
Common side effects
Typical atorvastatin side effects
Many people take atorvastatin without problems. When atorvastatin side effects do occur, they are often mild and temporary while the body adjusts. Commonly reported issues include headache, muscle aches or pains, constipation, diarrhoea, wind, feeling sick, or a rash.
Muscle aches with statins can be non-specific; they are not always a sign of a serious problem, but they should never be ignored if severe, persistent, or combined with other symptoms (see the serious side effects section below).
Your patient information leaflet lists frequencies and other possible effects. Reading the leaflet for your exact brand is helpful, as formulations can differ slightly.
When to speak to your GP or pharmacist
Speak to your GP or pharmacist if side effects bother you, worry you, or do not settle — they may suggest a different time of day, a lower dose, or a review of whether another medicine might suit you better.
Do not stop atorvastatin suddenly on your own without medical advice, especially if you have known heart disease or have had a stroke — but do seek help promptly if you feel unwell. Your prescriber can balance risks and benefits with you.
Serious side effects (when to seek urgent medical help)
Muscle and liver problems (rare but important)
Seek urgent medical advice — NHS 111, your GP same day, or 999 if severe — if you develop unexplained severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with a fever or feeling generally unwell, or if your urine looks dark or cola-coloured. These can, rarely, be linked to muscle breakdown.
Get urgent help if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe upper stomach pain, or itching that might suggest liver inflammation. Routine blood tests sometimes pick up liver changes before symptoms appear, which is one reason monitoring matters.
Allergic reactions and other emergencies
Call 999 if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
If you are unsure how urgent your symptoms are, NHS 111 can direct you. It is reasonable to err on the side of seeking advice rather than waiting when something feels clearly wrong.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you forget a tablet, the usual approach is to take it when you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and carry on with your normal schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose unless your prescriber has specifically told you to do this. If you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist — they can confirm what applies to your prescription and packaging.
If you often miss doses, your GP or practice pharmacist may suggest a medicines review, reminders, or a different formulation. Poor adherence can make cholesterol control less predictable.
Who should not take atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is not suitable for everyone. It is generally avoided in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, and your prescriber will be cautious if you have had previous serious muscle problems with a statin, certain liver conditions, or a known allergy to the tablets or their ingredients.
Some people need a lower dose or extra monitoring because of kidney problems, older age, or other health issues. Always give your doctor a full list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies before starting or changing atorvastatin.
Never borrow someone else’s tablets or change your dose because of something you read online. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you think atorvastatin might not be right for you or if you develop new symptoms.
Interactions (brief, non-exhaustive)
Atorvastatin can interact with other medicines. Examples your prescriber may need to weigh up include certain antibiotics and antifungals, some HIV medicines, ciclosporin, and other drugs that affect cholesterol or liver pathways. This list is not complete.
Grapefruit juice can raise the level of some statins in the body. With atorvastatin, large amounts of grapefruit juice are best avoided unless your prescriber or pharmacist has said otherwise for your situation.
Always check before starting something new while you are on atorvastatin — including anti-inflammatory painkillers, supplements, and St John’s wort. Your pharmacist can often give quick interaction advice; your GP remains responsible for your prescription choices.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Statins, including atorvastatin, are not normally used during pregnancy because of potential risks to the developing baby. If you could become pregnant, your prescriber may discuss reliable contraception and planning ahead.
If you think you might be pregnant while taking atorvastatin, contact your GP or midwife promptly for advice. Do not stop the medicine without speaking to a clinician, but do seek guidance straight away.
Small amounts of some medicines pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or planning to, your GP or pharmacist can discuss options that suit you and your baby.
Monitoring (e.g. blood tests if relevant)
Many people have blood tests before starting atorvastatin and again after a few months, then at intervals your practice agrees. Tests often include liver function; sometimes a blood test called CK (creatine kinase) is checked if there are muscle symptoms.
These checks help pick up problems early. Attend test appointments when offered, and speak to your GP or pharmacist if you develop muscle pain, weakness, or other new symptoms — do not wait silently for the next routine blood test.
Your surgery may also monitor overall cardiovascular risk (for example blood pressure, diabetes control, or kidney function) as part of wider care, not only because of the statin.
Alternatives your GP may consider
Other statins and non-statin options
Your GP may consider other statins (such as rosuvastatin or simvastatin) if atorvastatin is not tolerated or if another choice fits your health profile better. Strengths and interaction profiles differ between statins.
In some situations, your prescriber may discuss non-statin treatments (for example other lipid-lowering medicines), always alongside lifestyle advice. What is appropriate depends on your cholesterol levels, overall risk, and any other illnesses.
This page cannot tell you to switch medicines. Any change should be a shared decision with your GP or specialist, based on your history and latest blood results.
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Frequently asked questions about Atorvastatin
Common questions
- What is atorvastatin used for in the UK?
- It is mainly used long term to lower raised cholesterol and to help reduce the risk of events such as heart attack and stroke in people whose cardiovascular risk has been assessed by a doctor. It is one type of statin; your prescriber decides if it is suitable for you.
- What are the most common atorvastatin side effects?
- Common atorvastatin side effects can include headache, digestive upset, muscle aches, and feeling tired. Many people have no problems. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if symptoms are troublesome or persistent — they can advise whether a review is needed.
- What atorvastatin dosage will I take?
- Doses vary by person. Many adults start on a low or moderate daily dose; your doctor may adjust it over time after blood tests and depending on how you tolerate the tablets. Always take the strength written on your prescription.
- How long does atorvastatin take to lower cholesterol?
- Cholesterol often starts to fall within a few weeks, but your GP usually confirms the full effect with a repeat blood test after an agreed period. Continue taking your tablets as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
- Can I drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin?
- Many people drink small amounts of alcohol occasionally while on a statin. Alcohol and statins can both affect the liver, so heavy drinking is unwise. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure what is sensible for your level of drinking and medical history.
- Can I eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice with atorvastatin?
- Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of some statins in the blood. With atorvastatin, it is usually best to avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice unless your prescriber or pharmacist has advised you otherwise for your personal regimen.
- Is atorvastatin the same as Lipitor?
- Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin. The active ingredient is the same idea, but different brands may use different tablet coatings or inactive ingredients. If your pharmacy supplies a different brand, your pharmacist can confirm it is equivalent to what your prescriber intended.
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