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lipitor

Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to treat Coronary Artery Disease, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemias, Hypertriglyceridemia.

Atorvastatin Calcium · by Upjohn

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Atorvastatin Calcium
Form
Tablet
Strength
Atorvastatin Calcium EQ 10MG Base · Atorvastatin Calcium EQ 20MG Base · Atorvastatin Calcium EQ 40MG Base · Atorvastatin Calcium EQ 80MG Base
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Upjohn
Half-life
about 14 hours (how long it stays in your system)
What the pharmacy pays
~$0.92 for 30 — not your price
FDA application
NDA020702

What is Lipitor?

From the FDA label:LIPITOR (atorvastatin) is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Atorvastatin calcium is [R-(R*, R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-ß, δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid, calcium salt (2:1) trihydrate. The empirical formula of atorvastatin calcium is (C 33 H 34 FN 2 O 5 ) 2 Ca•3H 2 O and its molecular weight is 1209.42. Its structural formula is: Atorvastatin calcium is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is insoluble in aqueous solutions of pH 4 and below. Atorvastatin calcium is very slightly soluble in distilled water, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, and acetonitrile; slightly soluble in ethanol; and freely soluble in methanol. LIPITOR tablets for oral use contain atorvastatin 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg (equivalent to 10.36 mg, 20.72 mg, 41.44 mg, or 82.88 mg atorvastatin calcium anhydrous) and the following inactive ingredients: calcium carbonate, USP; candelilla wax, FCC; croscarmellose sodium, NF; hydroxypropyl cellulose, NF; lactose monohydrate, NF; magnesium stearate, NF; microcrystalline cellulose, NF; Opadry White YS-1-7040 (hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide); polysorbate 80, NF; simethicone emulsion. Atorvastatin calcium structural formula

How to use

Take orally once daily with or without food ( 2.1 ). • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating LIPITOR, and adjust dosage if necessary ( 2.1 ). • Adults ( 2.2 ): o Recommended starting dosage is 10 or 20 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. o Patients requiring LDL-C reduction >45% may start at 40 mg once daily. • Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years of Age and Older with HeFH: Recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 to 20 mg once daily ( 2.3 ). • Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years of Age and Older with HoFH: Recommended starting dosage is 10 to 20 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 to 80 mg once daily ( 2.4 ). • See full prescribing information for LIPITOR dosage modifications due to drug interactions ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Important Dosage Information • Take Lipitor orally once daily at any time of the day, with or without food. • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating LIPITOR, and adjust the dosage if necessary. • If a dose is missed, advise patients not to take the missed dose and resume with the next scheduled dose. 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients The recommended starting dosage of LIPITOR is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. The dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. Patients who require reduction in LDL-C greater than 45% may be started at 40 mg once…

Side effects

The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, diarrhea, pain in extremity, and urinary tract infection ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the LIPITOR placebo-controlled clinical trial database of 16,066 patients (8755 LIPITOR vs. 7,311 placebo; age range 10-93 years, 39% female, 91% White, 3% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 4% other) with a median treatment duration of 53 weeks, the most common adverse reactions in patients treated with LIPITOR that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: myalgia (0.7%),…

Warnings

Important safety information

Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher LIPITOR dosage. Discontinue LIPITOR if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue LIPITOR in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing LIPITOR dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever ( 2.5 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 8.5 , 8.6 ). • Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported with statin use. Discontinue LIPITOR if IMNM is suspected ( 5.2 ). • Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzymes before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIPITOR ( 5.3 ). 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIPITOR may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including LIPITOR. Risk Factors for Myopathy Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher LIPITOR dosage [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ] . Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIPITOR exposure may be increased by drug interactions due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) and/or transporters (e.g., breast cancer resistant protein [BCRP], organic anion-transporting polypeptide [OATP1B1/OATP1B3] and P-glycoprotein [P-gp]), resulting in an increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Concomitant use of cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, tipranavir plus ritonavir, or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir with LIPITOR is not recommended. LIPITOR dosage modifications are recommended for patients taking certain anti-viral, azole antifungals, or macrolide antibiotic medications [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Cases of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis have been reported with atorvastatin co-administered with lipid modifying doses (>1 gram/day) of niacin, fibrates, colchicine, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Consider if the benefit of use of these products outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Concomitant intake of large quantities, more than 1.2 liters daily, of grapefruit juice is not recommended in patients taking LIPITOR [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Discontinue LIPITOR if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK elevations may resolve if LIPITOR is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue LIPITOR in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy). Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the LIPITOR dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 5.2 Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy There have been rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use, including reports of recurrence when the same or a different statin was administered. IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persists despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. Additional neuromuscular and serologic testing may be necessary. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may be required. Discontinue LIPITOR if IMNM is suspected. 5.3 Hepatic Dysfunction Increases in serum transaminases have been reported with use of LIPITOR [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were transient, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. Persistent increases to more than three times the ULN in serum transaminases have occurred in approximately 0.7% of patients receiving LIPITOR in clinical trials. There have been rare postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking statins, including LIPITOR. Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatic injury [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Consider liver enzyme testing before LIPITOR initiation and when clinically indicated thereafter. LIPITOR is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4) ] . If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIPITOR. 5.4 Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with statins, including LIPITOR. Optimize lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices. 5.5 Increased Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke in Patients on LIPITOR 80 mg with Recent Hemorrhagic Stroke In a post-hoc analysis of the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) trial where 2,365 adult patients, without CHD who had a stroke or TIA within the preceding 6 months, were treated with LIPITOR 80 mg, a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was seen in the LIPITOR 80 mg group compared to placebo (55, 2.3% LIPITOR vs. 33, 1.4% placebo; HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.59; p=0.0168). The incidence of fatal hemorrhagic stroke was similar across treatment groups (17 vs. 18 for the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively). The incidence of non-fatal hemorrhagic stroke was significantly higher in the LIPITOR group (38, 1.6%) as compared to the placebo group (16, 0.7%). Some baseline characteristics, including hemorrhagic and lacunar stroke on study entry, were associated with a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in the LIPITOR group [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Consider the risk/benefit of use of LIPITOR 80 mg in patients with recent hemorrhagic stroke.

Who should not take Lipitor

Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any excipients in LIPITOR. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . • Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ). • Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any excipient in LIPITOR ( 4 ).

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

No specific antidotes for LIPITOR are known. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for latest recommendations. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance LIPITOR clearance.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of LIPITOR with other drugs or grapefruit juice that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). • Rifampin: May reduce atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Administer simultaneously with LIPITOR ( 7.2 ). • Oral Contraceptives: May increase plasma levels of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol; consider this effect when selecting an oral contraceptive ( 7.3 ). • Digoxin: May increase digoxin plasma levels; monitor patients appropriately ( 7.3 ). 7.1 Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with LIPITOR LIPITOR is a substrate of CYP3A4 and transporters (e.g., OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, or BCRP). LIPITOR plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and transporters. Table 2 includes a list of drugs that may increase exposure to LIPITOR and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly and instructions for preventing or managing them [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2: Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with LIPITOR Cyclosporine or Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR and cyclosporine, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with LIPITOR. Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with LIPITOR is not recommended. Anti-Viral Medications Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR with many anti-viral medications, which are inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or transporters (e.g., BCRP, OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, MRP2, and/or OAT2) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with LIPITOR. Intervention: • Concomitant use of tipranavir plus ritonavir or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir with LIPITOR is not recommended. • In patients taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, or simeprevir, consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use with atorvastatin. • In patients taking saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir or letermovir, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg. • In patients taking nelfinavir, do not exceed LIPITOR 40 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. • Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with LIPITOR. • Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Tipranavir plus ritonavir, glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, simeprevir, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir, letermovir, nelfinavir, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir. Select Azole Antifungals or Macrolide Antibiotics Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR with select azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics, due to inhibition of CYP3A4 and/or transporters [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention: In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of other azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics with LIPITOR. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Niacin Clinical Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been observed with concomitant use of lipid modifying dosages of niacin (≥1 gram/day niacin) with LIPITOR. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using lipid modifying dosages of niacin concomitantly with LIPITOR outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Fibrates (other than Gemfibrozil) Clinical Impact: Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of fibrates with LIPITOR. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with LIPITOR outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Colchicine Clinical Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with LIPITOR. Intervention: Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of colchicine with LIPITOR. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Grapefruit Juice Clinical Impact: Grapefruit juice consumption, especially excessive consumption, more than 1.2 liters/daily, can raise the plasma levels of atorvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Intervention: Avoid intake of large quantities of grapefruit juice, more than 1.2 liters daily, when taking LIPITOR. 7.2 Drug Interactions that may Decrease Exposure to LIPITOR Table 3 presents drug interactions that may decrease exposure to LIPITOR and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 3: Drug Interactions that may Decrease Exposure to LIPITOR Rifampin Clinical Impact: Concomitant administration of LIPITOR with rifampin, an inducer of cytochrome P450 3A4 and inhibitor of OATP1B1, can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampin, delayed administration of LIPITOR after administration of rifampin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Intervention: Administer LIPITOR and rifampin simultaneously. 7.3 LIPITOR Effects on Other Drugs Table 4 presents LIPITOR’s effect on other drugs and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 4: LIPITOR Effects on Other Drugs Oral Contraceptives Clinical Impact: Co-administration of LIPITOR and an oral contraceptive increased plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Consider this when selecting an oral contraceptive for patients taking LIPITOR. Digoxin Clinical Impact: When multiple doses of LIPITOR and digoxin were co-administered, steady state plasma digoxin concentrations increased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Monitor patients taking digoxin appropriately. Drug Interactions Atorvastatin is a substrate of the hepatic transporters, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporter. Metabolites of atorvastatin are substrates of OATP1B1. Atorvastatin is also identified as a substrate of the efflux transporter BCRP, which may limit the intestinal absorption and biliary clearance of atorvastatin. Table 5: Effect of Co-administered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin Co-administered drug and dosage regimen Atorvastatin Dosage (mg) Ratio of AUC Represents ratio of treatments (co-administered drug plus atorvastatin vs. atorvastatin alone). Ratio of Cmax See Sections 5.1 and 7 for clinical significance. Cyclosporine 5.2 mg/kg/day, stable dose 10 mg QD Once daily for 28 days 8.69 10.66 Tipranavir 500 mg BID Twice daily /ritonavir 200 mg BID , 7 days 10 mg SD Single dosage 9.36 8.58 Glecaprevir 400 mg QD /pibrentasvir 120 mg QD , 7 days 10 mg QD for 7 days 8.28 22.00 Telaprevir 750 mg q8h Every 8 hours , 10 days 20 mg SD 7.88 10.60 , The dose of saquinavir plus ritonavir in this study is not the clinically used dose. The increase in atorvastatin exposure when used clinically is likely to be higher than what was observed in this study. Therefore, caution should be applied and the lowest dose necessary should be used. Saquinavir 400 mg BID /ritonavir 400 mg BID , 15 days 40 mg QD for 4 days 3.93 4.31 Elbasvir 50 mg QD /grazoprevir 200 mg QD , 13 days 10 mg SD 1.94 4.34 Simeprevir 150 mg QD , 10 days 40 mg SD 2.12 1.70 Clarithromycin 500 mg BID , 9 days 80 mg QD for 8 days 4.54 5.38 Darunavir 300 mg BID /ritonavir 100 mg BID , 9 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 3.45 2.25 Itraconazole 200 mg QD , 4 days 40 mg SD 3.32 1.20 Letermovir 480 mg QD , 10 days 20 mg SD 3.29 2.17 Fosamprenavir 700 mg BID /ritonavir 100 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 2.53 2.84 Fosamprenavir 1400 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 2.30 4.04 Nelfinavir 1250 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 28 days 1.74 2.22 Grapefruit Juice, 240 mL QD , Greater increases in AUC (ratio of AUC up to 2.5) and/or Cmax (ratio of Cmax up to 1.71) have been reported with excessive grapefruit consumption (≥ 750 mL-1.2 liters per day). 40 mg SD 1.37 1.16 Diltiazem 240 mg QD , 28 days 40 mg SD 1.51 1.00 Erythromycin 500 mg QID Four times daily , 7 days 10 mg SD 1.33 1.38 Amlodipine 10 mg, single dose 80 mg SD 1.18 0.91 Cimetidine 300 mg QID , 2 weeks 10 mg QD for 2 weeks 1.00 0.89 Colestipol 10 g BID , 24 weeks 40 mg QD for 8 weeks NA 0.74 Ratio based on a single sample taken 8-16 h post dose. Maalox TC ® 30 mL QID , 17 days 10 mg QD for 15 days 0.66 0.67 Efavirenz 600 mg QD , 14 days 10 mg for 3 days 0.59 1.01 Rifampin 600 mg QD , 7 days (co‑administered) Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampin, simultaneous co-administration of atorvastatin with rifampin is recommended, as delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations. 40 mg SD 1.12 2.90 Rifampin 600 mg QD , 5 days (doses separated) 40 mg SD 0.20 0.60 Gemfibrozil 600 mg BID , 7 days 40 mg SD 1.35 1.00 Fenofibrate 160 mg QD , 7 days 40 mg SD 1.03 1.02 Boceprevir 800 mg TID Three times daily , 7 days 40 mg SD 2.32 2.66 Table 6: Effect of Atorvastatin on the Pharmacokinetics of Co-administered Drugs Atorvastatin Co-administered drug and dosage regimen Drug/Dosage (mg) Ratio of AUC Ratio of Cmax 80 mg QD Once daily for 15 days Antipyrine, 600 mg SD Single dosage 1.03 0.89 80 mg QD for 10 days See Section 7 for clinical significance. Digoxin 0.25 mg QD , 20 days 1.15 1.20 40 mg QD for 22 days Oral contraceptive QD , 2 months - norethindrone 1 mg - ethinyl estradiol 35 µg 1.28 1.19 1.23 1.30 10 mg SD Tipranavir 500 mg BID Twice daily /ritonavir 200 mg BID , 7 days 1.08 0.96 10 mg QD for 4 days Fosamprenavir 1400 mg BID , 14 days 0.73 0.82 10 mg QD for 4 days Fosamprenavir 700 mg BID /ritonavir 100 mg BID , 14 days 0.99 0.94 LIPITOR had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time when administered to patients receiving chronic warfarin treatment.

Foods & drinks to be careful with

Well-established interactions for this medicine’s drug class, summarized from public health authorities. General information, not medical advice — always confirm with your pharmacist or the label.

  • Grapefruit & grapefruit juice

    Watch out for: grapefruit and grapefruit juice (and, for some drugs, Seville oranges).

    Grapefruit blocks a gut enzyme (CYP3A4) that normally breaks this medicine down, so more of it can enter your blood — raising the risk of side effects.

    What to do: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice with this medicine unless your pharmacist or the label says it's fine — check, because not every drug in a class is affected the same way.

    Source: Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix — U.S. FDA

How long does Atorvastatin Calcium stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of atorvastatin calcium is about 14 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the parent drug's plasma elimination half-life; because atorvastatin has active metabolites, its cholesterol-lowering (HMG-CoA reductase-inhibiting) activity lasts materially longer, about 20 to 30 hours.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablet, film coated — DailyMed FDA label, Section 12.3 Pharmacokinetics.

Drug class

How this class works, per HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

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Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Lipitor treat?
Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) may be used to treat coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemias, hypertriglyceridemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Lipitor work?
Lipitor is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Statins block HMG-CoA reductase, the key enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. With less cholesterol being produced, the liver pulls more LDL ("bad") cholesterol out of the blood, lowering overall blood cholesterol levels.
How much does Lipitor cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.92 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Lipitor?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lipitor. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Lipitor?
Lipitor is marketed by Upjohn. You can see Upjohn's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Lipitor a brand-name or generic drug?
Lipitor is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Atorvastatin Calcium.
Is Lipitor available over the counter?
No. Lipitor is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Lipitor come in?
Lipitor is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Lipitor?
Lipitor is classified as hmg-coa reductase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Lipitor FDA-registered?
Lipitor is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020702. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Lipitor safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Lipitor. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Lipitor?
Lipitor's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] •… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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