What is the brand name for Atorvastatin?
The brand name for Atorvastatin is Lipitor.
PTCE Top 200 · #1
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Atorvastatin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Lipitor. It is a statin (hmg-coa reductase inhibitor) used to treat high cholesterol. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Atorvastatin ranks #1 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Atorvastatin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Lipitor |
| Drug class | Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | high cholesterol |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Used with diet and lifestyle changes to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL. Also used to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in certain higher‑risk adults.
What drug class is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Atorvastatin
- arrow_rightMuscle/joint pain (myalgia/arthralgia)
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNasopharyngitis
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightHeadache
Major interactions
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole, some HIV/HCV meds) ↑ statin levels/myopathy risk
- arrow_rightCyclosporine ↑ statin levels
- arrow_rightGemfibrozil or other fibrates ↑ myopathy/rhabdomyolysis risk
- arrow_rightLarge amounts of grapefruit juice ↑ statin levels
Is Atorvastatin a controlled substance?
No. Atorvastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Atorvastatin (PTCE mnemonic)
LIPitor strips LIPids — atorva-STATIN locks the liver's cholesterol pathway. Muscle aches + LFTs; no grapefruit.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
The suffix -statin always signals a cholesterol drug. Don't mix up atorvastatin (Lipitor) with rosuvastatin (Crestor) — both are high-intensity statins, a favorite brand↔generic pairing on the exam.
Atorvastatin FAQ
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. Used with diet and lifestyle changes to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL. Also used to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in certain higher‑risk adults.
What drug class is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Atorvastatin a controlled substance?
No. Atorvastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Atorvastatin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).