Lipitor: What It Is, Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Updated at 2025-05-10

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is part of a class of drugs known as statins and works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol production in the liver. Lipitor is typically prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. (Learn more on DoseMed)

Indications and Uses

Lipitor is indicated for:

Primary Hyperlipidemia: For the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: To reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related problems in patients with or at risk of coronary artery disease.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A genetic condition leading to high cholesterol levels.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of Lipitor depends on the patient's cholesterol levels, the desired reduction, and other factors:

Adults: The usual starting dose is 10 to 20 mg once daily, which can be adjusted based on the patient's response.
Pediatric Patients (ages 10-17): The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily, with the dose being adjusted if necessary.

Contraindications

Lipitor is contraindicated in patients with:

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels.
Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any component of the formulation.

Warnings and Precautions

Serious side effects of Lipitor can include muscle problems (myopathy), liver enzyme elevations, and potential interactions with other medications. Patients should be monitored for:

Muscle Pain: Notify the doctor if there is unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Liver Function: Liver enzyme levels should be monitored before starting therapy and periodically during treatment.

Adverse Reactions

Common adverse reactions (≥1%) include:

Diarrhea
Muscle pain or weakness
Headache

Drug Interactions

Notable drug interactions with Lipitor include:

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use with drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme may increase atorvastatin levels, leading to an increased risk of muscle and liver problems.
Warfarin: Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.

Patient Counseling Information

Patients should be advised to:

Take Lipitor as prescribed, with or without food.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Follow up with routine lab tests to monitor liver function and muscle health.

Conclusion

Lipitor is a highly effective medication for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects, monitor their health regularly, and follow their healthcare provider's instructions.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official drug label on DailyMed