Statin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine that works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol, helping to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and fats in your blood.
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing hepatic cholesterol production and upregulating LDL receptor expression to increase clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet once daily, at any time of the day, with or without food. Most people start with 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, and your doctor may increase the dose based on your cholesterol levels. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew it. Available in Nigeria as Astin 10, Advas 10, Advas 20, Atocard 20, Atorkem-20, and other brands.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Always buy from a registered pharmacy — avoid roadside sellers or unverified market vendors, as fake cholesterol medicines are common. This is a long-term medicine, so do not stop taking it just because you feel fine — high cholesterol has no symptoms but can silently damage your heart. Do not share your atorvastatin with anyone else, even if they also have high cholesterol, as the dose must be tailored by a doctor.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin as it can increase the drug level in your body and worsen side effects. Limit alcohol intake as combining it with atorvastatin can increase the risk of liver damage. If you are taking antibiotics like erythromycin or antifungals like ketoconazole, tell your doctor as they can dangerously increase atorvastatin levels in your blood.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Atorvastatin with your other drugs?
Atorvastatin is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby, so stop taking it and inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it near windows or in your car. Keep the tablets in their original pack and store well out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Atorvastatin?
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