Atorvastatin 20mg Tablets Unosource / freshborn
Active ingredient : Atorvastatin calcium
Strength: 20mg
Drug class : HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Requires prescription : Yes
Understanding cholesterol — and what atorvastatin does to it
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver. While your body needs some cholesterol, too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol builds up in the artery walls, narrowing them over time and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase — the key enzyme that drives cholesterol production — sharply reducing LDL levels in the blood.
LDL cholesterol ↓ Lower reduced significantly
HDL cholesterol ↑ Higher modestly raised
Triglycerides ↓ Lower reduced
Cardiovascular risk ↓ Lower significantly reduced
What is atorvastatin 20mg used for?
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia)
Lowers elevated LDL and total cholesterol levels in adults and children over 10 years, including those with familial hypercholesterolaemia (inherited high cholesterol).
High triglycerides (hypertriglyceridaemia)
Reduces elevated triglyceride levels in the blood, often seen alongside high cholesterol in patients with metabolic conditions.
Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Prescribed to adults at elevated cardiovascular risk — including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease — to reduce the likelihood of a first or subsequent cardiac event.
After a heart attack or stroke (secondary prevention)
Used following a cardiac event to stabilise plaques in artery walls and reduce the risk of future events — often at higher doses (40mg or 80mg) in this setting.
Dosage & how to take
| Usual starting dose | 10mg–20mg once daily |
| Dose range | 10mg–80mg once daily depending on target LDL and risk |
| When to take | Any time of day — but at the same time every day |
| With or without food | Either is fine — swallow whole with a glass of water |
| How long to take it | Long-term — cholesterol rises again if treatment is stopped |
| Missed dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if nearly time for next dose. Never double up. |
Unlike some other statins, atorvastatin has a long half-life — meaning it stays active in your body for a full 24 hours and can be taken at any time of day, not just at night.
Who should not take atorvastatin 20mg?
Key things to know before buying
Common side effects
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own. Muscle-related side effects are the most important to watch for — contact your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained muscle pain or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever or dark-coloured urine.