Atorvastatin is a tablet for high cholesterol.
Atorvastatin is a commonly used lipid-regulating medication prescribed to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
It belongs to a group of medicines called statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), which help reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver.
Atorvastatin is used for people with:
High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia) or high blood fats (hyperlipidaemia)
An increased risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke
Established cardiovascular disease, to reduce the risk of further cardiac events
The usual atorvastatin dose depends on age, medical condition, and individual cardiovascular risk factors:
Adults: 10 mg to 80 mg once daily, adjusted based on target cholesterol levels
Elderly or renal impairment patients: Standard adult dosing applies, tailored to individual treatment goals
Children (10 years and older): 10 mg once daily, increased to 20 mg if needed
Note. Patients should not stop taking atorvastatin without medical advice.
Atorvastatin side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Muscle or joint pain (myalgia). This is common.
Headache
Sore throat or cold-like symptoms
Constipation, wind, indigestion, or diarrhoea
Increased blood sugar levels
Serious side effects such as unexplained muscle pain and tenderness, or weakness (which can indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving muscle breakdown; it can cause Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)) require immediate medical attention.
As a statin, atorvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for making cholesterol.
This reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides made by the body, while slightly raising “good” cholesterol (HDL) By lowering cholesterol levels, it prevents fat deposits from building up in the blood vessels, reducing the risk of arterial blockages
Your doctor should monitor:
Cholesterol and lipid levels
Liver function tests (LFTs; typically before starting treatment and within 3 months of initiation)
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness (creatine kinase levels if symptoms occur)
Blood glucose levels in patients at risk of developing diabetes
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