Atorvastatin

In adults with multiple coronary risk factors but no evident coronary heart disease (CHD), reduces myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and angina risk. In adults with type 2 diabetes and multiple CHD risk factors but no evident CHD, reduces myocardial infarction and stroke risk. In established CHD, reduces nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal and nonfatal stroke, revascularization, heart-failure hospitalization, and angina risk.

As an adjunct to diet, lowers LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia and in patients aged 10 years or older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Also treats adult hypertriglyceridemia and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia. For homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) from age 10, use with other LDL-lowering treatment, or alone if those treatments are unavailable.

This profile summarizes Lipitor tablets. Other brands, generic labels, combination medicines, and alternative dosage forms may have different labeled uses or instructions. It does not provide an exhaustive off-label treatment guide.

Take tablets once daily at any time, with or without food. Skip a missed dose and resume the next scheduled dose.

Assess LDL-C as clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after starting, and adjust to response. Interaction-related limits may be lower than the usual maximum.

Renal impairment does not require a dose adjustment, but increases muscle-injury risk. Chronic alcohol-associated liver disease markedly increases exposure. Acute liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis are contraindications; assess other hepatic disease individually rather than applying a universal dose reduction.

Atorvaliq is a 20 mg/5 mL (4 mg/mL) suspension taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Shake well before each use. Measure with a calibrated oral device in mL. Its missed-dose directions allow taking a dose as soon as possible unless more than 12 hours late; then skip it. Follow its own storage instructions. Lipitor tablet directions do not apply.

Acute liver failure, decompensated cirrhosis, or hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or product ingredients. Pregnancy is no longer listed as an absolute contraindication; see population-specific guidance.

The selected Lipitor tablet label has no boxed warning. Its warnings and precautions still require attention to muscle injury, hepatic injury, and relevant population and interaction risks.

Common trial reports included nasopharyngitis, joint pain, diarrhea, extremity pain, and urinary tract infection.

Serious reactions include muscle injury, hepatic injury, and hypersensitivity. Trial frequencies depend on study design and are not comparative risk estimates across statins.

Fibrates other than gemfibrozil, lipid-modifying niacin (≥1 g/day), and colchicine add muscle risk; weigh benefit and monitor if combined. Avoid large grapefruit-juice quantities (>1.2 L/day). Give rifampin simultaneously with Lipitor because delayed dosing can reduce atorvastatin exposure. Monitor digoxin appropriately; atorvastatin can raise norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol concentrations.

These are the selected label’s interaction instructions, not a complete screen for every newly prescribed medicine. Check both drug labels before adding treatment.

Stop treatment when pregnancy is recognized in most patients; the label permits consideration of ongoing therapeutic needs. FDA removed the class-wide pregnancy contraindication in 2021 to allow individualized decisions, particularly for very high-risk patients. Notify the prescriber promptly about a known or suspected pregnancy. Observational data have not established an increase in major birth defects; this does not establish safety for every pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Discuss temporary treatment interruption versus continued statin therapy with alternative infant feeding based on the patient’s cardiovascular needs.

Lipitor HeFH and HoFH uses are established from age 10; safety and effectiveness below 10 or for other pediatric hyperlipidemias are not established.

Choose doses cautiously in older adults and monitor for muscle symptoms. Organ impairment and polypharmacy increase risk; see dosing for the relevant renal and hepatic distinctions.

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis and increasing hepatic LDL-receptor-mediated clearance. LDL-C response guides dosing; plasma concentration alone is not the treatment target.

Absorption

Peak concentration in approximately 1–2 hours; parent-drug bioavailability about 14%.

Metabolism

CYP3A4; active metabolites contribute substantially to enzyme inhibition.

Elimination

Mainly biliary; less than 2% of a dose recovered in urine.

Half-life

Parent drug about 14 hours; inhibitory activity 20–30 hours with active metabolites.

• Reassess LDL-C as early as 4 weeks after starting and adjust to the individualized plan.
• Consider liver enzymes before treatment and thereafter when clinically indicated. Evaluate jaundice, dark urine, appetite loss, fatigue, or right-upper-abdominal discomfort.
• Investigate unexplained muscle symptoms; CK and renal assessment are appropriate when muscle injury is suspected. Persistent weakness after stopping warrants assessment for immune-mediated myopathy.
• Review glucose risk and reinforce healthy diet, activity, and weight management.

• Use the prescribed once-daily schedule and avoid doubling missed doses.
• Maintain diet and activity measures alongside drug treatment. Review all new medicines and supplements with the prescriber or pharmacist.
• Promptly report unexplained muscle symptoms, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Seek urgent care for a severe allergic reaction.
• Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding promptly with the treating clinician.
• For overdose, contact U.S. Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; emergency symptoms require emergency care.

Other strengths and manufacturers have different appearances and package identifiers. Verify the exact imprint and original packaging with a pharmacist.

Dosage form / strengths

Film-coated oral tablets · 10, 20, 40, 80 mg

Label distributor

Viatris Specialty LLC

Representative appearance

10 mg: white, elliptical tablet

Imprint

10 on one side · VLE 155 on the other

Example package NDC

58151-155-77 · 90 tablets

Selected tablets

10, 20, 40, 80 mg

Additional formulation

Atorvaliq oral suspension · 20 mg/5 mL; separate label applies.

Other products

Generic and combination products require their own labeling.

Lipitor: store at 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Follow the exact formulation’s storage instructions and retain packaging to identify the medicine.