# Atorvastatin Calcium (Lipitor)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/atorvastatin-calcium
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Atorvastatin Calcium?

Atorvastatin Calcium (brand name: Lipitor) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). It is prescribed to treat hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia. Across the United States, 361,000 doctors prescribe Atorvastatin to approximately 20.5 million Medicare patients, making it one of the top 1 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Lipitor

## Indications

Atorvastatin Calcium is prescribed for several conditions including hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Hypertriglyceridemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypertriglyceridemia)
- [Coronary Artery Disease](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/coronary-artery-disease)
- [Hypercholesterolemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypercholesterolemia)
- [Hyperlipoproteinemias](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hyperlipoproteinemias)

## Mechanism of action

Atorvastatin works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces 3-hydroxy-3-­methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a building block of cholesterol.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

arthralgia, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, pain in extremity, urinary tract infection, muscle pain

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

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