Cardiology · HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Atorvastatin
Dose
10–80 mg OD (any time).
Mechanism
Inhibits cholesterol synthesis → ↑LDL receptor → ↓LDL.
Indications
- • Primary/secondary CV prevention
- • Post-ACS (high intensity 80 mg)
- • Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Contraindications
- • Active liver disease
- • Pregnancy
- • Breastfeeding
Use
First-line high-intensity statin.
Monitoring
LFT before + 3 months; lipid panel 3 months; CK if symptoms.
Side effects
- • Myalgia (5–10%)
- • Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
- • ↑transaminases
- • New DM (small ↑)
- • GI upset
Pregnancy safety
Contraindicated.
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
