Atorvastatin
Statin · Cardiovascular
Generic name: Atorvastatin calcium
Indications
- Primary hypercholesterolaemia
- Secondary prevention CVD
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Dosing
- Adult
- 10–80 mg ON (dose titrated to LDL target)
- Paediatric
- Not recommended < 10 years except FH
Routes
- Oral
Contraindications
- Active liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Unexplained persistent raised liver enzymes
Side effects
- Myalgia
- Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
- Raised liver enzymes
- Headache
Monitoring
- LFTs at baseline and if symptomatic
- CK if myalgia develops
Key interactions
- Clarithromycin/itraconazole (myopathy risk)
- Ciclosporin
- Gemfibrozil
Reviewed by DocBuddy Clinical Team on . Written as a study aid for medical students. Always check a current local formulary before prescribing.
Practise the pharmacology
Questions on Atorvastatin and the rest of cardiovascular pharmacology are in the app, with the drug cards a tap away while you answer.