How to Take Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is better known as its brand name, Lipitor. It’s a medication prescribed to manage high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart problems.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} You can take film-coated tablets or, if you have trouble swallowing pills, a chewable dose. Take it at the same time every day with or without food. While statins, or medications for high cholesterol, can help manage cholesterol levels, you’ll still need to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Before taking atorvastatin, discuss your medical history and any medications you take with your doctor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Film-Coated and Chewable Tablets

1
Swallow a film-coated tablet whole with a sip of water. Don’t crush, chew, or break a film-coated tablet. Place it in your mouth, take a sip of water, then swallow the tablet whole.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can take atorvastatin with or without food.
2
Ask for chewable tablets if you can’t swallow pills. If necessary, ask your doctor or pharmacist to prescribe chewable tablets. Place the tablet in your mouth, chew and swallow it, then drink a glass of water to ensure you’ve swallowed as much of the pill as possible.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Chewable tablets are just as effective as film-coated tablets. However, they contain aspartame, which could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria, an inherited metabolism disorder. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about aspartame contents in chewable tablets.^{[4]XResearch source}
3
Take atorvastatin at the same time every day. Atorvastatin is most effective when you take it around the same time every day. In addition, keeping a set schedule might help you remember to take your medicine. Try setting a daily alarm on your phone to help you stick to your schedule.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Many people take statins just before bedtime, since cholesterol production is highest at night.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} However, taking it in the morning or at night doesn’t change its effectiveness. The most important thing is to take it at the same time daily.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Don’t take a double dose if you forgot to take your pill. Don’t take more than 1 dose every 12 hours. If you forgot to take your pill and your next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, take the dose you missed. If you missed a dose and you’re scheduled to take a pill in less than 12 hours, don’t take the dose you missed.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Suppose you take a pill at 10 p.m. daily. If remember that you missed your dose at 1 a.m., take your missed dose. If you realize you forgot to take your pill at 11 a.m the next morning, don’t take your medicine until the next scheduled dose at 10 p.m.
5
Work with your doctor to find the best dosage. Your doctor will likely start you off at a 10 to 20 mg daily dose of atorvastatin. You’ll see them for tests 2 to 4 weeks after starting your medicine. Depending on your test results and reason for taking atorvastatin, they might gradually increase your dosage.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- After 4-8 weeks, you should start seeing positive results on your cholesterol from the medication.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Atorvastatin Safely

1
Discuss any history of medical issues with your doctor. You might not be able to take statins if you have a history of some medical issues, including kidney, liver, or thyroid problems. Before prescribing atorvastatin, your doctor will order blood tests to ensure these and other organs are functioning properly.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Your doctor will also check your liver and cholesterol at least once a year. This is a standard practice for anyone on atorvastatin.
2
Tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take. Some drugs and supplements can negatively interact with atorvastatin. Discuss any medications you take, including antifungals, drugs that suppress the immune system, medications for HIV, and oral contraceptives.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- A harmful drug interaction could cause unexpected side effects or lower a medication’s effectiveness.
To prevent liver and kidney damage, avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day while you take a statin. Grapefruit juice can also interfere with atorvastatin. Don’t drink more than 1 US quart (0.95 L) of juice or eat more than 1 large grapefruit per day.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
4
Consult your doctor if you experience common side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects, even if they’re minor. Common side effects include headache, nausea, nasal inflammation, muscle aches and cramps and increased blood sugar levels.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Some of these side effects might prompt your doctor to change your dosage, so it's important to let them know if you experience any.
- Try not to be so nervous about side effects that you’re afraid to take your medicine. While they’re considered common, these side effects occur in less than 1 in 10 people.
Severe side effects are rare, but require emergency care. Stop taking atorvastatin and get immediate help if you experience swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rash, fever, muscle pain or weakness, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.^{[14]XResearch source}
6
Seek medical attention if you overdose. While overdoses are rare, taking too much atorvastatin at once can cause liver or kidney damage. Call emergency services if you or anyone in your household overdose and experience numbness or pain, diarrhea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Accidentally taking a single extra dose is unlikely to harm you. If you're worried about taking an extra dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.^{[16]XResearch source}
- If you have children, store atorvastatin out of their reach to prevent accidental overdose.
7
Don’t take atorvastatin if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. If any of these apply, you shouldn’t take statins.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Atorvastatin can injure an unborn baby and pass into breast milk. If you become pregnant while taking atorvastatin, stop taking it and call your doctor immediately.
- Your doctor might recommend taking a pregnancy test before starting atorvastatin. They'll also advise you to take a reliable contraceptive in order to prevent pregnancy.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Managing Your Cholesterol with Lifestyle Changes

1
Eat a low-cholesterol diet. Many people who take a statin assume they don’t have to make any further lifestyle changes to manage high cholesterol. However, it’s vital to eat a healthy diet, even if you take a statin.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Swap saturated and trans fats for healthier fats, such as olive, peanut, and other vegetable oils. Go for fish and leaner meats instead of red meat, like beef steaks or burgers. Eat more fruits and veggies, and do your best to avoid sweets and junk food.
- Eat a healthy breakfast, like fortified, low-sugar whole grain cereal and a piece of fruit. For lunch, have a baked salmon fillet over mixed greens. Have a small handful of unsalted nuts for a midday snack. For dinner, go for chicken breast, steamed veggies, and brown rice.
2
Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are great aerobic exercises for managing cholesterol. You should also incorporate resistance training, or strength training exercises, into your workout routine.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- You could run or cycle for 30 to 60 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays, do upper body strength training on Tuesdays and Fridays, and work out your legs on Thursdays and Saturdays. On your strength training days, warm up with a brisk 15 minute jog.
- Ask your doctor for advice about starting an exercise routine, especially if you have a history of heart or joint issues.
Quit smoking if you're a smoker. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation methods. In addition to numerous other health benefits, quitting could increase your HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Quitting will also decrease your risk of heart disease.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Along with high cholesterol, these health issues are causes for serious concern. Further, drinking more than 1 to 2 alcoholic beverages a day while you take a statin can lead to kidney or liver damage.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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