NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Atorvastatin

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Atorvastatin is a high-intensity statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide for hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention, and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
13 2017–2024
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Atorvastatin is a high-intensity statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete coq10. This profile indexes 13 sources.

What it's good for
  • Lowers LDL cholesterol by 39–60%9,11
  • Reduces risk of myocardial infarction and stroke1
  • Slows progression of atherosclerosis
  • Reduces cardiovascular mortality in high-risk patients6,4
What to watch for
  • Myalgia and muscle pain
  • Elevated liver transaminases
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations6,9
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: lowers ldl cholesterol by 39–60%, reduces risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, slows progression of atherosclerosis. 13 sources indexed (2017–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. This reduces intracellular cholesterol, upregulates LDL receptor expression on hepatocyte surfaces, and increases clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream. Also reduces VLDL production and modestly raises HDL-C.1

Class
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet

Can be taken with or without food at any time of day; unlike some statins, does not require evening dosing due to its long half-life1

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

CoQ10

Moderate

HMG-CoA reductase inhibition reduces mevalonate pathway flux, lowering endogenous CoQ10 synthesis alongside cholesterol synthesis.

Replace Coenzyme Q10 UbiquinolMonitor Plasma CoQ10Onset Often develops over weeks to months of continuous therapy

Full Atorvastatin depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Myalgia and muscle pain
  • Elevated liver transaminases
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • Headache
  • Rhabdomyolysis (rare but serious)
  • New-onset diabetes (modest increased risk)

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations6,9
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any component1,2
  • Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors at high statin doses6
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

8

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Atorvastatin, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a high-intensity statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide for hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention, and familial hypercholesterolemia.

What is Atorvastatin used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Atorvastatin include: Lowers LDL cholesterol by 39–60%; Reduces risk of myocardial infarction and stroke; Slows progression of atherosclerosis; Reduces cardiovascular mortality in high-risk patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Atorvastatin?

A typical adult dose of Atorvastatin is 10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Atorvastatin?

Reported side effects include myalgia and muscle pain, elevated liver transaminases, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), headache, rhabdomyolysis (rare but serious), new-onset diabetes (modest increased risk). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Atorvastatin?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Atorvastatin in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.