Atorvastatin is supplied in 10, 20, 40, 80 mg. The standard approach is 10–20 mg nightly, titrated to LDL target
Strength and use
| Strength | Typical role |
|---|---|
| 10 | Starting or low-dose maintenance |
| 20 | Standard maintenance dose |
| 40 | Escalation dose where response is partial |
| 80 mg | Escalation dose where response is partial |
Titration path
- 1
Step 1: initiate
Begin at the lowest useful strength of 10.
- 2
Step 2: assess
Review after the onset window of LDL response measurable at 4 weeks.
- 3
Step 3: escalate
Move up one strength only if the response is partial and tolerance is good.
- 4
Step 4: maintain
Hold at the lowest effective dose for hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular risk reduction and review periodically.
Key takeaways
- Standard dosing: 10–20 mg nightly, titrated to LDL target
- Dosing interval: 24-hour dosing.
- Never double up after a missed dose: resume the normal schedule.
- Store below 30 °C to protect potency across the shelf life.
Missed doses and adherence
If a dose is missed and the next one is close, skip it. Doubling increases the risk of myalgia without improving outcomes. Blister packaging and clear dispensing labels measurably improve adherence on film-coated tablet lines.
Atorvastatin at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drug class | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor |
| Common brand | Lipitor |
| Licensed use | hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular risk reduction |
| Available strengths | 10, 20, 40, 80 mg |
| Dosage form | film-coated tablet |
| Typical onset | LDL response measurable at 4 weeks |
| Duration / dosing interval | 24-hour dosing |
| Storage | below 30 °C |
