Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Information
• Why Is Lipitor Used?
• Who Should Not Take Lipitor?
• Special Warnings With Lipitor
• What Should I Tell My Doctor?
• What Are Some Possible Side Effects of Lipitor?
• For More Information and Label Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Information

Lipitor is the brand name. Atorvastatin is the generic name. Atorvastatin is a highly effective statin (cholesterol-lowering drug) that lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Atorvastatin has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack or angina (chest pain) in people with coronary heart disease risk factors, such as hypertension, being age 55 years or older, smoking, low HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels, or family history of early coronary heart disease.
 
For more information on statins and how they work, see Understanding Cholesterol-Lowering Medications, Medical Treatment.
 
Basic medication information is as follows:
 

• Active ingredient: Atorvastatin calcium

• Dosage form: Tablet

• Strength: 10, 20, 40, 80 mg

• FDA approval: 12/17/1996

• Company name: Pfizer