Description
Drug: Atorvastatin Calcium 20mg | Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin) | Brand: Lipitor 20mg (Pfizer); Atorva 20 (Zydus India) | Indication: Hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular risk reduction, secondary prevention | Dose: 20mg once daily at any time
Quick Answer — What makes Atorvastatin different from other statins?
Atorvastatin 20mg provides moderate-intensity LDL lowering (approximately 43% reduction) — appropriate for primary prevention in intermediate cardiovascular risk patients. It can be taken at any time of day.
Atorvastatin 20mg – HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
Atorvastatin 20mg contains Atorvastatin Calcium 20mg, a hmg-coa reductase inhibitor (statin) for hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular risk reduction, secondary prevention. ASCOT-LLA: atorvastatin 10mg reduced coronary events 36%; 20mg provides moderate-intensity LDL lowering (approximately 43%).
Product Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Atorvastatin Calcium 20mg |
| Drug Class | HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin) |
| Brand Reference | Lipitor 20mg (Pfizer); Atorva 20 (Zydus India) |
| Indication | Hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular risk reduction, secondary prevention |
| Standard Dose | 20mg once daily at any time. Typical primary prevention dose. Step up to 40mg if LDL target not met in 4–6 weeks |
| Form | Tablet |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription | Yes |
| Evidence | ASCOT-LLA: atorvastatin 10mg reduced coronary events 36%; 20mg provides moderate-intensity LDL lowering (approximately 43%) |
How It Works
Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis and upregulating LDL receptors.
People Also Ask
When should Atorvastatin be taken?
Any time of day — atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have long half-lives making timing flexible.
What are statin muscle side effects?
Myalgia (muscle aching) affects 5–10% of statin users. Serious myopathy (elevated CK) is rare. Rhabdomyolysis is very rare at standard doses. Risk increases with high-dose statins, renal impairment, hypothyroidism, and drug interactions (cyclosporine, CYP3A4 inhibitors with simvastatin). Stop statins and check CK if significant unexplained muscle pain develops.
Does Atorvastatin need to be taken lifelong?
For secondary prevention (post-MI, stroke), statin therapy is lifelong — stopping significantly increases recurrence risk. For primary prevention, risk-benefit reassessment at 3–5 years is reasonable. Never stop without discussing with your prescriber.
Does Atorvastatin affect liver function?
Mild transaminase elevation occurs in 1–3% of statin users — usually transient and reversible. Serious hepatotoxicity is rare. Baseline LFTs are checked before starting statins; routine monitoring is not required unless symptoms develop.
Can Atorvastatin interact with other medications?
Simvastatin has significant CYP3A4 interactions — avoid grapefruit juice, clarithromycin, azole antifungals, and HIV protease inhibitors at the 80mg dose. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have milder interaction profiles. All statins: caution with fibrates and niacin (myopathy risk).
Storage
Store at 15–30°C away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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