Atorvastatin Tablets

Developed to support cholesterol management to alleviate cardiovascular risk.

Strengths: 10 · 20 · 40 · 80mg

Medicine details

Alternative names

Lipitor

Therapeutic class

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

Pharmacological class

Statin

Contraindications

hypersensitivity to atorvastatin; active liver disease; pregnancy; breastfeeding

Minor side effects

headache; nausea; constipation

Moderate side effects

myalgia; elevated liver enzymes; insomnia

Dosage forms

Film-coated tablet

Administration route

Oral use

Patient summary

Developed to support cholesterol management to alleviate cardiovascular risk.

Prescription status

POM

Manufacturer

Pfizer

Onset Time

2–4 weeks

Duration

Long-term

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry location.

Drug interactions

grapefruit; ciclosporin; clarithromycin

Age restrictions

Used in children over 10 years only if necessary.

Precautions and warnings

report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness immediately; regular liver function monitoring is recommended; avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Serious side effects

rhabdomyolysis — requires immediate medical attention; hepatitis — requires immediate medical attention

Mechanism of action

Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It blocks the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver, resulting in an increase in LDL receptors which promotes the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Contraindicated; stop use immediately upon conception. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.

Atorvastatin Tablets

Developed to support cholesterol management to alleviate cardiovascular risk.

Editorial Notes

  • Active ingredient(s): Atorvastatin
  • Listed indication(s): Hypercholesterolaemia

Usually available as

  • 360 tablets - 10 mg1230-10-mg-14689
  • 180 tablets - 20 mg1230-20-mg-14676
  • 60 tablets - 40 mg1230-40-mg-14678