Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin used alongside diet to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk in selected adults. This listing contains one Lipitor tablet formulation.
Key points
- Inhibitory activity lasts about 20 to 30 hours, although atorvastatin itself has a plasma half-life of about 14 hours.
- BCRP transporter handling may limit how much atorvastatin is absorbed from the gut and cleared into bile.
- Muscle and liver effects can occur: atorvastatin may cause muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, and raised liver enzymes have been reported.
What Atorvastatin is used for
Atorvastatin calcium is the active ingredient in Lipitor. It is indicated alongside diet for Hypercholesterolaemia and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in adults with risk factors for coronary heart disease or established disease. It belongs in Cholesterol Management.