Atorvastatin
Also sold as: Lipitor
Prescription neededCholesterol medicines
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 10 to 20 mg once a day, up to 80 mg. After a heart attack or stroke a higher dose of 40 to 80 mg is often used.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- muscle aches
- headache
- stomach upset
- diarrhoea
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe muscle pain or weakness with dark urine
- yellow eyes or skin
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active liver disease
- Heavy alcohol use (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin raises atorvastatin levels and the risk of muscle damage.
- Itraconazole
Itraconazole raises atorvastatin levels and the risk of muscle damage.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Colchicine
Together they increase the risk of muscle damage; report muscle pain or weakness.
- Fenofibrate
Together they raise the risk of muscle problems; report muscle pain.