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PubChem

Atorvastatin

PubChem CID
60823
Structure
Atorvastatin_small.png
Atorvastatin_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • atorvastatin
  • 134523-00-5
  • Cardyl
  • atorvastatina
  • atorvastatine
Molecular Weight
558.6 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Dates
  • Create:
    2005-06-24
  • Modify:
    2026-04-04
Description
Atorvastatin is a dihydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is a member of the drug class known as statins, used primarily for lowering blood cholesterol and for preventing cardiovascular diseases. It has a role as a xenobiotic and an environmental contaminant. It is a member of pyrroles, a dihydroxy monocarboxylic acid, an aromatic amide, a member of monofluorobenzenes and a statin (synthetic). It is functionally related to a heptanoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of an atorvastatin(1-).
Atorvastatin (Lipitor®), is a lipid-lowering drug included in the statin class of medications. By inhibiting the endogenous production of cholesterol in the liver, statins lower abnormal cholesterol and lipid levels, and ultimately reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. More specifically, statin medications competitively inhibit the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase, which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid. This conversion is a critical metabolic reaction involved in the production of several compounds involved in lipid metabolism and transport, including cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol"), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Prescribing statins is considered standard practice for patients following any cardiovascular event, and for people who are at moderate to high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The evidence supporting statin use, coupled with minimal side effects and long term benefits, has resulted in wide use of this medication in North America. Atorvastatin and other statins including [lovastatin], [pravastatin], [rosuvastatin], [fluvastatin], and [simvastatin] are considered first-line treatment options for dyslipidemia. The increasing use of this class of drugs is largely attributed to the rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (such as heart attack, atherosclerosis, angina, peripheral artery disease, and stroke) in many countries. An elevated cholesterol level (elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in particular) is a significant risk factor for the development of CVD. Several landmark studies demonstrate that the use of statins is associated with both a reduction in LDL levels and CVD risk. Statins were shown to reduce the incidences of all-cause mortality, including fatal and non-fatal CVD, as well as the need for surgical revascularization or angioplasty following a heart attack. Some evidence has shown that even for low-risk individuals (with <10% risk of a major vascular event occurring within five years) statin use leads to a 20%-22% relative reduction in the number of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization, and coronary death) for every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL without any significant side effects or risks. Atorvastatin was first synthesized in 1985 by Dr. Bruce Roth and approved by the FDA in 1996. It is a pentasubstituted pyrrole formed by two contrasting moieties with an achiral heterocyclic core unit and a 3,5-dihydroxypentanoyl side chain identical to its parent compound. Unlike other members of the statin group, atorvastatin is an active compound and therefore does not require activation.
Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of atorvastatin is as a Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitor.
See also: Fluvastatin (related); Atorvastatin Calcium (active moiety of); Atorvastatin Sodium (active moiety of) ... View More ...

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Atorvastatin.png

1.2 3D Conformer

Interactive Chemical Structure Model
Conformer of 10

2 Biologic Description

WURCS
WURCS=2.0/1,1,0/[Ad2d2dh_7*(NCCCC$2/4CCCCCC$7/3CCCCCC$13/16)F(/6)CC/20C(/5)CN(CCCCCC$25)/23=O]/1/

3 Names and Identifiers

3.1 Computed Descriptors

3.1.1 IUPAC Name

(3R,5R)-7-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.9.3 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)

3.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C33H35FN2O5/c1-21(2)31-30(33(41)35-25-11-7-4-8-12-25)29(22-9-5-3-6-10-22)32(23-13-15-24(34)16-14-23)36(31)18-17-26(37)19-27(38)20-28(39)40/h3-16,21,26-27,37-38H,17-20H2,1-2H3,(H,35,41)(H,39,40)/t26-,27-/m1/s1
Computed by InChI 1.07.4 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)

3.1.3 InChIKey

XUKUURHRXDUEBC-KAYWLYCHSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.07.4 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)

3.1.4 SMILES

CC(C)C1=C(C(=C(N1CC[C@H](C[C@H](CC(=O)O)O)O)C2=CC=C(C=C2)F)C3=CC=CC=C3)C(=O)NC4=CC=CC=C4
Computed by OEChem 4.2.0 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)

3.2 Molecular Formula

C33H35FN2O5
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)

3.3 Other Identifiers

3.3.1 CAS

134523-03-8

3.3.2 European Community (EC) Number

3.3.3 UNII

3.3.4 AIDS Number

3.3.5 ChEBI ID

3.3.6 ChEMBL ID

3.3.7 DrugBank ID

3.3.8 DrugCentral

3.3.9 DSSTox Substance ID

3.3.10 HMDB ID

3.3.11 International Nonproprietary Names (INN)

ATORVASTATIN

3.3.12 KEGG ID

3.3.13 Metabolomics Workbench ID

3.3.14 NCI Thesaurus Code

3.3.15 Nikkaji Number

3.3.16 PharmGKB ID

3.3.17 Pharos Ligand ID

3.3.18 RXCUI

3.3.19 Wikidata

3.3.20 Wikipedia

3.3.21 GlyTouCan Accession

3.4 Synonyms

3.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • Atorvastatin
  • (3R,5R)-7-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid

3.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

4.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
558.6 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
XLogP3-AA
Property Value
5
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.24 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
6
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.24 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
12
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.24 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
558.25300038 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
558.25300038 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
112 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.24 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
41
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
822
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.24 (PubChem release 2025.09.15)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2025.09.15)

4.2 Experimental Properties

4.2.1 Physical Description

Solid

4.2.2 Boiling Point

722 ºC at 760 mmHg
'MSDS'

4.2.3 Melting Point

176 °C
'MSDS'
159.1 - 190.6 °C

4.2.4 Solubility

Practically insoluble
'MSDS'

4.2.5 LogP

6.36
'MSDS'

4.2.6 Stability / Shelf Life

Stable under recommended storage conditions. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

4.2.7 Optical Rotation

White to off-white crystalline powder. Specific optical rotation at 25 °C for D (sodium) line = -7.4 deg (c = 1 in DMSO). Freely soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in ethanol; very slightly soluble in acetonitrile, distilled water, phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Insoluble in aqueous solutions of pH 4 and below. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 151

4.2.8 Dissociation Constants

Acidic pKa
4.46
'MSDS'
Acidic pKa
4.54

4.2.9 Collision Cross Section

229.7 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID8029868]

229.8 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: APCI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID6044303]

232.2 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID6044303]

231.4 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID8029868]

228.6 Ų [M-H]- [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI-; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID6044303]

228.4 Ų [M-H]- [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI-; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID8029868]

230.3 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID6044303]

229.1 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: APCI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID8029868]

224.3 Ų [M]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: APCI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID6044303]

229.87 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: TW; Method: calibrated with polyalanine and drug standards]

231.29 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: TW; Method: calibrated with polyalanine and drug standards]

231.37 Ų [M+K]+ [CCS Type: TW; Method: calibrated with polyalanine and drug standards]

213.25 Ų [M+H-H2O]+ [CCS Type: TW; Method: calibrated with polyalanine and drug standards]

Ross et al. JASMS 2022; 33; 1061-1072. DOI:10.1021/jasms.2c00111
233 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: TW; Method: Major Mix IMS/Tof Calibration Kit (Waters)]

231.92 Ų [M-H]-

233.2 Ų [M+Na]+

233.34 Ų [M+H]+

S61 | UJICCSLIB | Collision Cross Section (CCS) Library from UJI | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3549476

4.2.10 Other Experimental Properties

pKa= 4.46. Solubility in water (30 °C) = 20.4 ug/mL (pH 2.1); 1.23 mg/mL (pH 6.0) /Atorvastatin sodium salt/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 151
MP: 159.2-160.7 °C. Specific optical rotation: +26.05 deg at 25 °C/D (c = 1 in chloroform) /Atorvastatin lactone/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 151

4.3 Chemical Classes

Combinations

4.3.1 Drugs

Pharmaceuticals -> Antilipidemic Agents
S56 | UOATARGPHARMA | Target Pharmaceutical/Drug List from University of Athens | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3248837
Pharmaceuticals -> Statins
S44 | STATINS | Statins Collection from Public Resources | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2656736
Pharmaceuticals -> Used in Switzerland
S113 | SWISSPHARMA24 | 2024 Swiss Pharmaceutical List with Metabolites | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10501043
Pharmaceutical
S120 | DUSTCT2024 | Substances from Second NORMAN Collaborative Dust Trial | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13835254
Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
S55 | ZINC15PHARMA | Pharmaceuticals from ZINC15 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3247749
4.3.1.1 Human Drugs
Breast Feeding; Lactation; Milk, Human; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antilipemic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Lipid-lowering agents

5 Spectral Information

5.1 1D NMR Spectra

5.1.1 13C NMR Spectra

Copyright
Copyright © 2024-2025 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2 Mass Spectrometry

5.2.1 GC-MS

Technique
GC/MS
Source of Spectrum
DigiLab GmbH (C) 2024
Copyright
Copyright © 2024-2025 DigiLab GmbH and Wiley-VCH GmbH. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2.2 MS-MS

1 of 6 items
View All
Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Positive
Top 5 Peaks

250.1021 100

276.1178 32.51

292.1486 28.99

251.1058 17.27

380.1649 11.28

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2 of 6 items
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Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Positive
Top 5 Peaks

262.1037 100

92.0506 62.66

59.0138 62.16

260.0881 6.11

278.135 5.61

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5.2.3 LC-MS

1 of 64 items
View All
Authors
ACESx, National Facility for Exposomics
Instrument
Exploris 480 Orbitrap (Thermo Scientific)
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QFT
MS Level
MS2
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Ionization
ESI
Collision Energy
Ramp 20%-70% (nominal)
Fragmentation Mode
HCD
Column Name
Waters; Acquity UPLC BEH C18, 3.0 x 100 mm, 1.7 um, Waters
Retention Time
11.67
Precursor m/z
559.2578
Precursor Adduct
[M+H]+
Top 5 Peaks

440.22336 999

559.25861 535

250.10176 434

276.11755 175

466.19962 142

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License
CC BY
2 of 64 items
View All
Authors
ACESx, National Facility for Exposomics
Instrument
Exploris 480 Orbitrap (Thermo Scientific)
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QFT
MS Level
MS2
Ionization Mode
NEGATIVE
Ionization
ESI
Collision Energy
Ramp 20%-70% (nominal)
Fragmentation Mode
HCD
Column Name
Waters; Acquity UPLC BEH C18, 3.0 x 100 mm, 1.7 um, Waters
Retention Time
11.67
Precursor m/z
557.2453
Precursor Adduct
[M-H]-
Top 5 Peaks

557.24408 999

278.13474 771

453.2005 240

397.17365 155

59.01385 155

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License
CC BY

5.3 Raman Spectra

1 of 6 items
View All
Type
Raman Spectrum
Mineral
Atorvastatin
RRUFF ID
Sample
Oriented
Raman Data
Processed
Wave Length
532 nm
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2 of 6 items
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Type
Raman Spectrum
Mineral
Atorvastatin
RRUFF ID
Sample
Oriented
Raman Data
Processed
Wave Length
780 nm
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7 Chemical Vendors

58 vendors
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8 Drug and Medication Information

8.1 Drug Indication

108 items
MeSH Heading
EFO Term
Max Phase
Phase 3
MeSH Heading
EFO Term
Max Phase
Phase 3
MeSH Heading
EFO Term
Max Phase
Phase 2
MeSH Heading
EFO Term
Max Phase
Phase 3
MeSH Heading
EFO Term
Max Phase
Phase 2
Page of 22
Atorvastatin is indicated for the treatment of several types of dyslipidemias, including primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia in adults, hypertriglyceridemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adolescent patients with failed dietary modifications. Dyslipidemia describes an elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides or both as well as to the presence of low levels of high-density lipoprotein. This condition represents an increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis. Atorvastatin is indicated, in combination with dietary modifications, to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with cardiac risk factors and/or abnormal lipid profiles. Atorvastatin can be used as a preventive agent for myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and angina, in patients without coronary heart disease but with multiple risk factors and in patients with type 2 diabetes without coronary heart disease but multiple risk factors. Atorvastatin may be used as a preventive agent for non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for congestive heart failure and angina in patients with coronary heart disease. Prescribing of statin medications is considered standard practice following any cardiovascular events and for people with a moderate to high risk of development of CVD. Statin-indicated conditions include diabetes mellitus, clinical atherosclerosis (including myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndromes, stable angina, documented coronary artery disease, stroke, trans ischemic attack (TIA), documented carotid disease, peripheral artery disease, and claudication), abdominal aortic aneurysm, chronic kidney disease, and severely elevated LDL-C levels.

8.2 LiverTox Summary

Atorvastatin is a commonly used cholesterol lowering agent (statin) that is associated with mild, asymptomatic and self-limited serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy and rarely with clinically apparent acute liver injury.

8.3 Drug Classes

Breast Feeding; Lactation; Milk, Human; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antilipemic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Antilipemic Agents

8.4 WHO Essential Medicines

Drug
Drug Classes
Lipid-lowering agents
Formulation
Indication
(1) Mixed hyperlipidaemia; (2) Coronary atherosclerosis

8.5 FDA National Drug Code Directory

18 items
Product NDC
Start Marketing Date
2026-02-15
Dosage Form
TABLET
Strength
10 mg/1
Labeler
Umedica Laboratories USA Inc.
Product NDC
Start Marketing Date
2026-02-15
Dosage Form
TABLET
Strength
20 mg/1
Labeler
Umedica Laboratories USA Inc.
Product NDC
Start Marketing Date
2026-02-15
Dosage Form
TABLET
Strength
40 mg/1
Labeler
Umedica Laboratories USA Inc.
Product NDC
Start Marketing Date
2026-02-15
Dosage Form
TABLET
Strength
80 mg/1
Labeler
Umedica Laboratories USA Inc.
Product NDC
Start Marketing Date
2020-08-26
Dosage Form
TABLET
Strength
20 mg/1
Labeler
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
Page of 4

8.6 Drug Labels

Drug and label
2 items
  • Drug: ATORVASTATIN
    Download: PDF
    Data File: XML
    Ingredient (UNII): ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM (UNII:48A5M73Z4Q)
    Description: Atorvastatin calcium is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and...
    Indication: Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug...
    Category: Human prescription
    Company: DIRECT RX
    Date: 2018-03-14
  • Drug: ATORVASTATIN
    Download: PDF
    Data File: XML
    Ingredient (UNII): ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM TRIHYDRATE (UNII:48A5M73Z4Q)
    Description: Atorvastatin calcium is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and...
    Indication: Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug...
    Category: Human prescription
    Company: DIRECT RX
    Date: 2021-01-07

8.7 Clinical Trials

8.7.1 ClinicalTrials.gov

688 items
  • Atorvastatin Therapy on Xanthoma in Alagille Syndrome
    Phase: Phase 4
    Status: Completed
    Date: 2026-03-27
  • Atorvastatin Therapy in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Children With Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome
    Phase: Phase 4
    Status: Completed
    Date: 2026-03-27
  • Atorvastatin in Active Vitiligo
    Phase: Phase 2
    Status: Completed
    Date: 2026-03-24
  • A Study of Bempedoic Acid/Ezetimibe/High-intensity Statin in Patients Without Cardiovascular Events
    Phase: Phase 3
    Status: Not yet recruiting
    Date: 2026-03-19
  • Statin and Vitamin D Treatment in Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease
    Phase: N/A
    Status: Not yet recruiting
    Date: 2026-03-18
Page of 138

8.7.2 EU Clinical Trials Register

144 items
  • Atorvastatin for patients with Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms - Essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and prefibrotic myelofibrosis
    Phase: Phase 2
    Status: Trial now transitioned
    Date: 2022-12-23
  • STATINS USE IN INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE PATIENTS (SATURN)
    Phase: Phase 3
    Status: Ongoing
    Date: 2022-10-10
  • Measuring Oncogical Value of Exercise and Statin
    Phase: Phase 2
    Status: Trial now transitioned
    Date: 2022-04-19
  • CROSS-OVER ANALYSIS OF THE CONTROL OF RISK FACTORS AND ANTIAGGREGATION WITH POLIPILL (POLICROSS TRIAL)
    Phase: Phase 4
    Status: Ongoing
    Date: 2022-04-19
  • Cardiac and renal protective effect of colchicine early on-admission administered in patient with acute coronaric syndrome in treatment with atorvastatin
    Phase: Phase 2
    Status: Completed
    Date: 2022-02-08
Page of 29

8.7.3 NIPH Clinical Trials Search of Japan

47 items
  • Brief and Protocol-Based Intensive Lipid Management in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
    Status: Not Recruiting
    Date: 2024-10-04
  • Brief and Protocol-Based Intensive Lipid Management in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
    Status: Not Recruiting
    Date: 2024-10-04
  • Examination of the validity of the 2022 guideline for the prevention of arteriosclerotic diseases from the viewpoint of the size of lipoprotein particles
    Phase: Phase IV
    Status: Recruiting
    Date: 2023-12-31
  • Effectiveness Of Atorvastatin On Dyslipidemic Erectile Dysfunction Patients
    Status: Complete: follow-up complete
    Date: 2019-12-09
  • Treatment of the genetic defect of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway.
    Status: Complete
    Date: 2019-03-22
Page of 10

8.8 EMA Drug Information

326 items
  • Category/Dataset: Paediatric investigation plans (PIP)
    Status: PIP decision type: W: decision granting a waiver in all age groups for all conditions or indications
    Pharmaceutical Form: Capsule, hard
    Administration Route: Oral use
    Therapeutic Use: Cardiovascular diseases
    Condition/Indication: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia
    Publish Date: 2017-12-01
    Update Date: 2018-03-07
  • Category/Dataset: Paediatric investigation plans (PIP)
    Status: PIP decision type: W: decision granting a waiver in all age groups for all conditions or indications
    Pharmaceutical Form: Film-coated tablet
    Administration Route: Oral use
    Therapeutic Use: Cardiovascular diseases
    Condition/Indication: Treatment of concomitant hypertension and dyslipidaemia;Treatment of concomitant angina and dyslipidaemia;Prevention of cardiovascular events in hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II
    Publish Date: 2016-11-04
    Update Date: 2017-01-10
  • Category/Dataset: Paediatric investigation plans (PIP)
    Status: PIP decision type: W: decision granting a waiver in all age groups for all conditions or indications
    Pharmaceutical Form: Capsule, hard
    Administration Route: Oral use
    Therapeutic Use: Cardiovascular diseases
    Condition/Indication: Treatment of cardiovascular disease
    Publish Date: 2016-04-15
    Update Date: 2016-06-02
  • Category/Dataset: Paediatric investigation plans (PIP)
    Status: PIP decision type: W: decision granting a waiver in all age groups for all conditions or indications
    Pharmaceutical Form: Capsule, hard
    Administration Route: Oral use
    Therapeutic Use: Endocrinology-Gynaecology-Fertility-Metabolism
    Condition/Indication: Treatment of elevated cholesterol;Treatment of ischemic coronary artery disorders
    Publish Date: 2015-07-10
    Update Date: 2015-08-25
  • Category/Dataset: Paediatric investigation plans (PIP)
    Status: PIP decision type: W: decision granting a waiver in all age groups for all conditions or indications
    Pharmaceutical Form: Film-coated tablet
    Administration Route: Oral use
    Therapeutic Use: Endocrinology-Gynaecology-Fertility-Metabolism
    Condition/Indication: Treatment of dyslipidaemia;Treatment of hypertension
    Publish Date: 2013-10-29
    Update Date: 2013-11-18
Page of 66

8.9 Therapeutic Uses

Anticholesteremic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Atorvastatin. Online file (MeSH, 2016). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2016/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html
In adult patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease, but with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease such as age, smoking, hypertension, low HDL-C, or a family history of early coronary heart disease, Lipitor is indicated to: Reduce the risk of myocardial infarction; Reduce the risk of stroke; Reduce the risk for revascularization procedures and angina. /Included in US product label/
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
In patients with type 2 diabetes, and without clinically evident coronary heart disease, but with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease such as retinopathy, albuminuria, smoking, or hypertension, Lipitor is indicated to: Reduce the risk of myocardial infarction; Reduce the risk of stroke. /Included in US product label/
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
In patients with clinically evident coronary heart disease, Lipitor is indicated to: Reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction; Reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal stroke; Reduce the risk for revascularization procedures; Reduce the risk of hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF); Reduce the risk of angina. /Included in US product label/
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

8.10 Drug Development Summary

Max Phase
Approved
First Approval
1996
Availability Type
Prescription Only
Route of Administration
Oral

8.11 Drug Warnings

Lipitor is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy. Lipid lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hypercholesterolemia therapy.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
Statins may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Lipitor should be administered to women of childbearing potential only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards. If the woman becomes pregnant while taking Lipitor, it should be discontinued immediately and the patient advised again as to the potential hazards to the fetus and the lack of known clinical benefit with continued use during pregnancy.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
It is not known whether atorvastatin is excreted in human milk, but a small amount of another drug in this class does pass into breast milk. Nursing rat pups had plasma and liver drug levels of 50% and 40%, respectively, of that in their mother's milk. Animal breast milk drug levels may not accurately reflect human breast milk levels. Because another drug in this class passes into human milk and because statins have a potential to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women requiring Lipitor treatment should be advised not to nurse their infants.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
Myopathy (defined as muscle aches or weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine kinase [CK, creatine phosphokinase, CPK] concentrations exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal [ULN]) has been reported occasionally in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria also has been reported rarely in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1844
For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (33 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

8.12 Biomarker Information

2 items
Specific Condition
Normal
Biofluid
Blood
Disease Concentration
0.0100 (0.0056-0.014) uM
Specific Condition
Sepsis
Biofluid
Blood
Disease Concentration
0.22 (0.060-0.38) uM

8.13 Drug Targets

1 item
Structure
Structure
Gene
Protein
Open Targets Target ID
Mechanism of Action
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

8.14 Drug-Drug Interactions

753 items
  • Structure image
    Compound CID: 190
    Interaction: The metabolism of Atorvastatin can be decreased when combined with Adenine.
  • Structure image
    Compound CID: 237
    Interaction: The metabolism of Quinacrine can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
  • Structure image
    Compound CID: 244
    Interaction: The metabolism of Benzyl alcohol can be decreased when combined with Atorvastatin.
  • Structure image
    Compound CID: 323
    Interaction: The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Atorvastatin is combined with Coumarin.
  • Structure image
    Compound CID: 679
    Interaction: The metabolism of Atorvastatin can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.
Page of 151

8.15 Drug-Food Interactions

  • Avoid grapefruit products. Grapefruit products may increase the risk for atorvastatin related adverse effects such as myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
  • Take with or without food. Food decreases absorption but not to a clinically significant extent.

9 Minerals

Name
Atorvastatin
Data Views
Formula
C33H35FN2O5

10 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

10.1 Pharmacodynamics

Atorvastatin is an oral antilipemic agent that reversibly inhibits HMG-CoA reductase. It lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apo B), non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) plasma concentrations while increasing HDL-C concentrations. High LDL-C, low HDL-C and high TG concentrations in the plasma are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio is a strong predictor of coronary artery disease, and high ratios are associated with a higher risk of disease. Increased levels of HDL-C are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. By decreasing LDL-C and TG and increasing HDL-C, atorvastatin reduces the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevated cholesterol levels (and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in particular) are an important risk factor for the development of CVD. Clinical studies have shown that atorvastatin reduces LDL-C and total cholesterol by 36-53%. In patients with dysbetalipoproteinemia, atorvastatin reduced the levels of intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It has also been suggested that atorvastatin can limit the extent of angiogenesis, which can be useful in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma. **Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis** Atorvastatin, like other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, is associated with a risk of drug-induced myopathy characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness in conjunction with elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK). Myopathy often manifests as rhabdomyolysis with or without acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria. The risk of statin-induced myopathy is dose-related, and the symptoms of myopathy are typically resolved upon drug discontinuation. Results from observational studies suggest that 10-15% of people taking statins may experience muscle aches at some point during treatment. **Liver Dysfunction** Statins, like some other lipid-lowering therapies, have been associated with biochemical abnormalities of liver function. Persistent elevations (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] occurring on two or more occasions) in serum transaminases occurred in 0.7% of patients who received atorvastatin in clinical trials. This effect appears to be dose-related. **Endocrine Effects** Statins are associated with a risk of increased serum HbA1c and glucose levels. An _in vitro_ study demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on human pancreatic islet β cells following treatment with atorvastatin. Moreover, insulin secretion rates decreased relative to control. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfere with cholesterol synthesis and may theoretically interfere with the production of adrenal and/or gonadal steroids. Clinical studies with atorvastatin and other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have suggested that these agents do not affect plasma cortisol concentrations, basal plasma testosterone concentration, or adrenal reserve. However, the effect of statins on male fertility has not been fully investigated. The effects of statins on the pituitary-gonadal axis in premenopausal women are unknown. **Cardiovascular** Significant decreases in circulating ubiquinone levels in patients treated with atorvastatin and other statins have been observed. The clinical significance of a potential long-term statin-induced deficiency of ubiquinone has not been established. It has been reported that a decrease in myocardial ubiquinone levels could lead to impaired cardiac function in patients with borderline congestive heart failure. **Lipoprotein A** In some patients, the beneficial effect of lowered total cholesterol and LDL-C levels may be partly blunted by the concomitant increase in Lp(a) lipoprotein concentrations. Present knowledge suggests the importance of high Lp(a) levels as an emerging risk factor for coronary heart disease. Further studies have demonstrated statins affect Lp(a) levels differently in patients with dyslipidemia depending on their apo(a) phenotype; statins increase Lp(a) levels exclusively in patients with the low molecular weight apo(a) phenotype.

10.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anticholesteremic Agents
Substances used to lower plasma CHOLESTEROL levels.
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Compounds that inhibit HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL COA REDUCTASES. They have been shown to directly lower CHOLESTEROL synthesis.

10.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification

FDA UNII
A0JWA85V8F
Active Moiety
ATORVASTATIN
Pharmacological Classes
Established Pharmacologic Class [EPC] - HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
Pharmacological Classes
Mechanisms of Action [MoA] - Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
FDA Pharmacology Summary
Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of atorvastatin is as a Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitor.

10.4 ATC Code

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (2021) DOI:10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00008. List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355

C - Cardiovascular system

C10 - Lipid modifying agents

C10A - Lipid modifying agents, plain

C10AA - Hmg coa reductase inhibitors

C10AA05 - Atorvastatin

ATCvet Code

QC - Cardiovascular system

QC10 - Lipid modifying agents

QC10A - Lipid modifying agents, plain

QC10AA - Hmg coa reductase inhibitors

QC10AA05 - Atorvastatin

10.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption
Atorvastatin presents a dose-dependent and non-linear pharmacokinetic profile. It is very rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After the administration of a dose of 40 mg, its peak plasma concentration of 28 ng/ml is reached 1-2 hours after initial administration with an AUC of about 200 ng∙h/ml. Atorvastatin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the wall of the gut and the liver, resulting in an absolute oral bioavailability of 14%. Plasma atorvastatin concentrations are lower (approximately 30% for Cmax and AUC) following evening drug administration compared with morning. However, LDL-C reduction is the same regardless of the time of day of drug administration. Administration of atorvastatin with food results in prolonged Tmax and a reduction in Cmax and AUC. Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) is a membrane-bound protein that plays an important role in the absorption of atorvastatin. Evidence from pharmacogenetic studies of c.421C>A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene for BCRP has demonstrated that individuals with the 421AA genotype have reduced functional activity and 1.72-fold higher AUC for atorvastatin compared to study individuals with the control 421CC genotype. This has important implications for the variation in response to the drug in terms of efficacy and toxicity, particularly as the BCRP c.421C>A polymorphism occurs more frequently in Asian populations than in Caucasians. Other statin drugs impacted by this polymorphism include [fluvastatin], [simvastatin], and [rosuvastatin]. Genetic differences in the OATP1B1 (organic-anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1) hepatic transporter encoded by the SCLCO1B1 gene (Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter family member 1B1) have been shown to impact atorvastatin pharmacokinetics. Evidence from pharmacogenetic studies of the c.521T>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding OATP1B1 (SLCO1B1) demonstrated that atorvastatin AUC was increased 2.45-fold for individuals homozygous for 521CC compared to homozygous 521TT individuals. Other statin drugs impacted by this polymorphism include [simvastatin], [pitavastatin], [rosuvastatin], and [pravastatin].
Route of Elimination
Atorvastatin and its metabolites are mainly eliminated in the bile without enterohepatic recirculation. The renal elimination of atorvastatin is very minimal and represents less than 1% of the eliminated dose.
Volume of Distribution
The reported volume of distribution of atorvastatin is of 380 L.
Clearance
The registered total plasma clearance of atorvastatin is of 625 ml/min.
/MILK/ In a separate experiment, a single dose of 10 mg/kg atorvastatin administered to female Wistar rats on gestation day 19 or lactation day 13 provided evidence of placental transfer and excretion into the milk.
Henck JW et al; Toxicol Sci 41 (1): 88-99 (1998)
Lipitor and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in bile following hepatic and/or extra-hepatic metabolism; however, the drug does not appear to undergo enterohepatic recirculation. ... Less than 2% of a dose of Lipitor is recovered in urine following oral administration.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
/MILK/ It is not known whether atorvastatin is excreted in human milk, but a small amount of another drug in this class does pass into breast milk. Nursing rat pups had plasma and liver drug levels of 50% and 40%, respectively, of that in their mother's milk.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
Mean volume of distribution of Lipitor is approximately 381 liters. Lipitor is >/= 98% bound to plasma proteins. A blood/plasma ratio of approximately 0.25 indicates poor drug penetration into red blood cells.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.6 Protein Binding

Atorvastatin is highly bound to plasma proteins and over 98% of the administered dose is found in a bound form.

10.7 Metabolism / Metabolites

Atorvastatin is highly metabolized to ortho- and parahydroxylated derivatives and various beta-oxidation products, primarily by Cytochrome P450 3A4 in the intestine and liver. Atorvastatin's metabolites undergo further lactonization via the formation of acyl glucuronide intermediates by the enzymes UGT1A1 and UGT1A3. These lactones can be hydrolyzed back to their corresponding acid forms and exist in equilibirum. _In vitro_ inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites is equivalent to that of atorvastatin. Approximately 70% of circulating inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is attributed to active metabolites.
Lipitor is extensively metabolized to ortho- and parahydroxylated derivatives and various beta-oxidation products. In vitro inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites is equivalent to that of Lipitor. Approximately 70% of circulating inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is attributed to active metabolites. In vitro studies suggest the importance of Lipitor metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4, consistent with increased plasma concentrations of Lipitor in humans following co-administration with erythromycin, a known inhibitor of this isozyme. In animals, the ortho-hydroxy metabolite undergoes further glucuronidation.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
The active forms of all marketed hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors share a common dihydroxy heptanoic or heptenoic acid side chain. In this study, we present evidence for the formation of acyl glucuronide conjugates of the hydroxy acid forms of simvastatin (SVA), atorvastatin (AVA), and cerivastatin (CVA) in rat, dog, and human liver preparations in vitro and for the excretion of the acyl glucuronide of SVA in dog bile and urine. Upon incubation of each statin (SVA, CVA or AVA) with liver microsomal preparations supplemented with UDP-glucuronic acid, two major products were detected. Based on analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography, UV spectroscopy, and/or liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry analysis, these metabolites were identified as a glucuronide conjugate of the hydroxy acid form of the statin and the corresponding delta-lactone. By means of an LC-NMR technique, the glucuronide structure was established to be a 1-O-acyl-beta-D-glucuronide conjugate of the statin acid. The formation of statin glucuronide and statin lactone in human liver microsomes exhibited modest intersubject variability (3- to 6-fold; n = 10). Studies with expressed UDP glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) revealed that both UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 were capable of forming the glucuronide conjugates and the corresponding lactones for all three statins. Kinetic studies of statin glucuronidation and lactonization in liver microsomes revealed marked species differences in intrinsic clearance (CL(int)) values for SVA (but not for AVA or CVA), with the highest CL(int) observed in dogs, followed by rats and humans. Of the statins studied, SVA underwent glucuronidation and lactonization in human liver microsomes, with the lowest CL(int) (0.4 uL/min/mg of protein for SVA versus approximately 3 uL/min/mg of protein for AVA and CVA). Consistent with the present in vitro findings, substantial levels of the glucuronide conjugate (approximately 20% of dose) and the lactone form of SVA [simvastatin (SV); approximately 10% of dose] were detected in bile following i.v. administration of [(14)C]SVA to dogs. The acyl glucuronide conjugate of SVA, upon isolation from an in vitro incubation, underwent spontaneous cyclization to SV. Since the rate of this lactonization was high under conditions of physiological pH, the present results suggest that the statin lactones detected previously in bile and/or plasma following administration of SVA to animals or of AVA or CVA to animals and humans, might originate, at least in part, from the corresponding acyl glucuronide conjugates. Thus, acyl glucuronide formation, which seems to be a common metabolic pathway for the hydroxy acid forms of statins, may play an important, albeit previously unrecognized, role in the conversion of active HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to their latent delta-lactone forms.
Prueksaritanont T et al; Drug Metab Dispos 30 (5): 505-12 (2002)
The genetic variation underlying atorvastatin (ATV) pharmacokinetics was evaluated in a Mexican population. Aims of this study were: 1) to reveal the frequency of 87 polymorphisms in 36 genes related to drug metabolism in healthy Mexican volunteers, 2) to evaluate the impact of these polymorphisms on ATV pharmacokinetics, 3) to classify the ATV metabolic phenotypes of healthy volunteers, and 4) to investigate a possible association between genotypes and metabolizer phenotypes. A pharmacokinetic study of ATV (single 80-mg dose) was conducted in 60 healthy male volunteers. ATV plasma concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the non-compartmental method. The polymorphisms were determined with the PHARMAchip microarray and the TaqMan probes genotyping assay. Three metabolic phenotypes were found in our population: slow, normal, and rapid. Six gene polymorphisms were found to have a significant effect on ATV pharmacokinetics: MTHFR (rs1801133), DRD3 (rs6280), GSTM3 (rs1799735), TNFa (rs1800629), MDR1 (rs1045642), and SLCO1B1 (rs4149056). The combination of MTHFR, DRD3 and MDR1 polymorphisms associated with a slow ATV metabolizer phenotype.
Leon-Cachon RB et al; BMC Cancer16: 74 (2016)
Atorvastatin has known human metabolites that include 7-[2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]-3-phenyl-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid and 7-[2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]-3-phenyl-5-propan-2-ylpyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid.
S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560
Atorvastatin is extensively metabolized to ortho- and parahydroxylated derivatives and various beta-oxidation products. In vitro inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites is equivalent to that of atorvastatin. Approximately 70% of circulating inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is attributed to active metabolites. CYP3A4 is also involved in the metabolism of atorvastatin.

10.8 Biological Half-Life

The half-life of atorvastatin is 14 hours while the half-life of its metabolites can reach up to 30 hours.
/MILK/ ...After administration to lactating rats, radioactivity in milk reached the maximum of 17.1 ng eq./mL at 6.0 hr and thereafter declined with a half-life of 7.8 hr.
Nemoto H et al; Yakuri To Chiryo 26 (7): 79-96 (1998)
Mean plasma elimination half-life of Lipitor in humans is approximately 14 hours, but the half-life of inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase is 20 to 30 hours due to the contribution of active metabolites.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228

10.9 Mechanism of Action

Atorvastatin is a statin medication and a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase, which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Atorvastatin acts primarily in the liver, where decreased hepatic cholesterol concentrations stimulate the upregulation of hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, which increases hepatic uptake of LDL. Atorvastatin also reduces Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (VLDL-C), serum triglycerides (TG) and Intermediate Density Lipoproteins (IDL), as well as the number of apolipoprotein B (apo B) containing particles, but increases High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C). _In vitro_ and _in vivo_ animal studies also demonstrate that atorvastatin exerts vasculoprotective effects independent of its lipid-lowering properties, also known as the pleiotropic effects of statins. These effects include improvement in endothelial function, enhanced stability of atherosclerotic plaques, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibition of the thrombogenic response. Statins were also found to bind allosterically to β2 integrin function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), which plays an essential role in leukocyte trafficking and T cell activation.
In animal models, Lipitor lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by increasing the number of hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on the cell surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL; Lipitor also reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles. Lipitor reduces LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in some patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a population that rarely responds to other lipid-lowering medication(s).
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
Lipitor is a selective, competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. Cholesterol and triglycerides circulate in the bloodstream as part of lipoprotein complexes. With ultracentrifugation, these complexes separate into HDL (high-density lipoprotein), IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) fractions. Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol in the liver are incorporated into VLDL and released into the plasma for delivery to peripheral tissues. LDL is formed from VLDL and is catabolized primarily through the high-affinity LDL receptor. Clinical and pathologic studies show that elevated plasma levels of total cholesterol (total-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) promote human atherosclerosis and are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, while increased levels of HDL-C are associated with a decreased cardiovascular risk.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
Statins are largely used in clinics in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases for their effect on lowering circulating cholesterol. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1), the primary receptor for ox-LDL, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. We have recently shown that chronic exposure of cells to lovastatin disrupts LOX-1 receptor cluster distribution in plasma membranes, leading to a marked loss of LOX-1 function. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism of statin-mediated LOX-1 inhibition and we demonstrate that all tested statins /including atorvastatin/ are able to displace the binding of fluorescent ox-LDL to LOX-1 by a direct interaction with LOX-1 receptors in a cell-based binding assay. Molecular docking simulations confirm the interaction and indicate that statins completely fill the hydrophobic tunnel that crosses the C-type lectin-like (CTLD) recognition domain of LOX-1. Classical molecular dynamics simulation technique applied to the LOX-1 CTLD, considered in the entire receptor structure with or without a statin ligand inside the tunnel, indicates that the presence of a ligand largely increases the dimer stability. Electrophoretic separation and western blot confirm that different statins binding stabilize the dimer assembly of LOX-1 receptors in vivo. The simulative and experimental results allow us to propose a CTLD clamp motion, which enables the receptor-substrate coupling. ...
Biocca S et al; Cell Cycle 14 (10): 1583-95 (2015)
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) exert potent vasculoprotective effects. However, the potential contribution to angiogenesis is controversial. In the present study, we demonstrate that atorvastatin dose-dependently affects endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. In vivo relevant concentrations of 0.01 to 0.1 umol/L atorvastatin or mevastatin promote the migration of mature endothelial cells and tube formation. Moreover, atorvastatin also increases migration and the potency to form vessel structures of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, which may contribute to vasculogenesis. In contrast, higher concentrations (>0.1 umol/L atorvastatin) block angiogenesis and migration by inducing endothelial cell apoptosis. The dose-dependent promigratory and proangiogenic effects of atorvastatin on mature endothelial cells are correlated with the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt pathway, as determined by the phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) at Ser1177. In addition, the stimulation of migration and tube formation was blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors. In contrast, the well-established stabilization of eNOS mRNA was achieved only at higher concentrations, suggesting that posttranscriptional activation rather than an increase in eNOS expression mediates the proangiogenic effect of atorvastatin. Taken together, these data suggest that statins exert a double-edged role in angiogenesis signaling by promoting the migration of mature endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells at low concentrations, whereas the antiangiogenic effects were achieved only at high concentrations.
Urbich C et al; Circ Res 90 (6): 737-44 (2002)
Here, we found that atorvastatin promoted the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Atorvastatin-derived MDSCs suppressed T-cell responses by nitric oxide production. Addition of mevalonate, a downstream metabolite of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, almost completely abrogated the effect of atorvastatin on MDSCs, indicating that the mevalonate pathway was involved. Along with the amelioration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) -induced murine acute and chronic colitis, we observed a higher MDSC level both in spleen and intestine tissue compared with that from DSS control mice. More importantly, transfer of atorvastatin-derived MDSCs attenuated DSS acute colitis and T-cell transfer of chronic colitis. Hence, our data suggest that the expansion of MDSCs induced by statins may exert a beneficial effect on autoimmune diseases. In summary, our study provides a novel potential mechanism for statins-based treatment in inflammatory bowel disease and perhaps other autoimmune diseases.
Lei A et al; Immunology 149 (4): 432-446 (2016)

10.10 Human Metabolite Information

10.10.1 Tissue Locations

  • Liver
  • Platelet

10.10.2 Cellular Locations

Membrane

10.10.3 Metabolite Pathways

10.11 Biochemical Reactions

2 items
Reaction
PubChem Pathway
Source
Taxonomy
Reaction
PubChem Pathway
Source
Taxonomy

10.12 Transformations

9 items
Predecessor
Predecessor
Predecessor Name
Successor
Successor
Successor Name
Transformation
Phase I
Enzyme
Evidence DOI
Predecessor
Predecessor
Predecessor Name
Successor
Successor
Successor Name
Transformation
Phase I
Enzyme
Evidence DOI
Predecessor
Predecessor
Predecessor Name
Successor
Successor
Successor Name
Transformation
Aromatic Hydroxylation / Human Phase I
Enzyme
Evidence DOI
Predecessor
Predecessor
Predecessor Name
Successor
Successor
Successor Name
Transformation
Phase I
Enzyme
Evidence DOI
Predecessor
Predecessor
Predecessor Name
Successor
Successor
Successor Name
Transformation
Aromatic Hydroxylation / Human Phase I
Enzyme
Evidence DOI
Page of 2

11 Use and Manufacturing

11.1 Uses

MEDICATION
Anticholesteremic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Atorvastatin. Online file (MeSH, 2016). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2016/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html

Use (kg) in Switzerland (2009): >1000

Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >1000

Use (kg) in USA (2002): 31300

Use (kg) in France (2004): 7924

Consumption (g per capita) in Switzerland (2009): 0.13

Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.012

Consumption (g per capita) in the USA (2002): 0.11

Consumption (g per capita) in France (2004): 0.13

Excretion rate: 0.46

Calculated removal (%): 97.3

May be used as primary prevention in individuals with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and as secondary prevention in individuals with CHD to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, angina, and revascularization procedures. May be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). May be used in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, and/or hypertriglyeridemia as an adjunct to dietary therapy to decrease serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and triglyceride concentrations, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

11.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Preparation: B.D. Roth, European Patent Office patent 409281; idem, United States of America patent 5273995 (1991, 1993 both to Warner-Lambert).
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 151

11.3 Formulations / Preparations

Table: Atorvastatin Calcium Preparations
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
10 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
10 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Lipitor (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
20 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
20 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Lipitor (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
40 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
40 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Lipitor (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
80 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets (Available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
80 mg
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Lipitor (Pfizer)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1847
Table: Atorvastatin Calcium Combinations Preparations
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
10 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 2.5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
10 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
10 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 10 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
20 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 2.5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
20 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
20 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 10 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
40 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 2.5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
40 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
40 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 10 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
80 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosage Form
Tablets, film-coated
Strength
80 mg (of atorvastatin) with Amlodipine Besylate 10 mg (of amlodipine)
Brand or Generic Form (Manufacturer)
Caduet (Pfizer)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1847

12 Identification

12.1 Clinical Laboratory Methods

LC/MS/MS determination in serum
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 151

13 Safety and Hazards

13.1 Hazards Identification

13.1.1 GHS Classification

Pictogram(s)
Irritant
Health Hazard
Signal
Warning
GHS Hazard Statements

H315 (66.7%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (66.7%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (66.7%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H361 (33.3%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H361f (33.3%): Suspected of damaging fertility [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H361fd (33.3%): Suspected of damaging fertility; Suspected of damaging the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H362 (66.7%): May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 3 reports by companies from 3 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

13.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Skin Irrit. 2 (66.7%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (66.7%)

STOT SE 3 (66.7%)

Repr. 2 (33.3%)

Repr. 2 (33.3%)

Lact. (66.7%)

13.2 Fire Fighting

13.2.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.3 Accidental Release Measures

13.3.1 Cleanup Methods

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.3.2 Disposal Methods

SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.3.3 Preventive Measures

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

13.4 Handling and Storage

13.4.1 Storage Conditions

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Light sensitive. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Store at controlled room temperature 20-25 °C.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228

13.5 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

13.5.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU). /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Skin protection: Handle with gloves. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU). /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.6 Stability and Reactivity

13.6.1 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents. /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.7 Regulatory Information

13.7.1 FDA Requirements

The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including atorvastatin calcium, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. /Atorvastatin calcium/
DHHS/FDA; Electronic Orange Book-Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations. Available from, as of November 8, 2016: https://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/

13.8 Other Safety Information

13.8.1 Toxic Combustion Products

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrogen fluoride, calcium oxide /Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Atorvastatin calcium salt trihydrate. Product Number: PZ0001, Version 5.3 (Revision Date 12/21/2015). Available from, as of November 15, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

14 Toxicity

14.1 Toxicological Information

14.1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Atorvastatin is anticholesteremic agent and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Cases of fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure have been reported rarely in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria also has been reported rarely in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin. Lipid lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hypercholesterolemia therapy. The occurrence of neuropsychiatric reactions is associated with statin treatment. They include behavioral alterations; cognitive and memory impairments; sleep disturbance; and sexual dysfunction. ANIMAL STUDIES: In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats at dose levels of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/day, 2 rare tumors were found in muscle in high-dose females: in one, there was a rhabdomyosarcoma, and in another, there was a fibrosarcoma. Atorvastatin caused no adverse effects on semen parameters, or reproductive organ histopathology in dogs given doses of 10, 40, or 120 mg/kg for two years. Male rats given 100 mg/kg/day for 11 weeks prior to mating had decreased sperm motility, spermatid head concentration, and increased abnormal sperm. Studies in rats performed at doses up to 175 mg/kg produced no changes in fertility. There was aplasia and aspermia in the epididymis of 2 of 10 rats treated with 100 mg/kg/day of atorvastatin for 3 months; testis weights were significantly lower at 30 and 100 mg/kg and epididymal weight was lower at 100 mg/kg. In a study in rats given 20, 100, or 225 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 7 through to lactation day 21 (weaning), there was decreased pup survival at birth, neonate, weaning, and maturity in pups of mothers dosed with 225 mg/kg/day. Body weight was decreased on days 4 and 21 in pups of mothers dosed at 100 mg/kg/day; pup body weight was decreased at birth and at days 4, 21, and 91 at 225 mg/kg/day. Pup development was delayed. In vitro, atorvastatin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in the following tests with and without metabolic activation: the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, the HGPRT forward mutation assay in Chinese hamster lung cells, and the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells. Atorvastatin was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
There are no antidotes available for atorvastatin overdose. Patients should be monitored for adverse events and provided with supportive care.
Atorvastatin selectively and competitively inhibits the hepatic enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. As HMG-CoA reductase is responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, this results in a subsequent decrease in hepatic cholesterol levels. Decreased hepatic cholesterol levels stimulates upregulation of hepatic LDL-C receptors which increases hepatic uptake of LDL-C and reduces serum LDL-C concentrations.

14.1.2 Hepatotoxicity

Atorvastatin therapy is associated with mild, asymptomatic and usually transient serum aminotransferase elevations in 1% to 3% of patients but levels above 3 times ULN in less than 1%. In summary analyses of large scale studies with prospective monitoring, ALT elevations above 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 0.7% of atorvastatin treated versus 0.3% of placebo recipients. These elevations were more common with higher doses of atorvastatin, being 2.3% with 80 mg daily. Most elevations were self-limited and did not require dose modification.

Atorvastatin is also associated with frank, clinically apparent hepatic injury but this is rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 treated patients. The clinical presentation of atorvastatin hepatotoxicity varies greatly from simple cholestatic hepatitis to mixed forms, to frankly hepatocellular injury. The latency to onset of injury is also highly variable ranging from 1 month to several years. However, most cases arise within 6 months of starting atorvastatin or several months after a dose escalation. The most common presentation is a cholestatic hepatitis that tends to be mild-to-moderate in severity and self-limiting in course (Cases 1 and 2). Atorvastatin hepatotoxicity can also present with a distinctly hepatocellular pattern of injury with marked elevations in serum aminotransferase levels and minimal or no increase in alkaline phosphatase. Rash, fever and eosinophilia are uncommon, but at least one-third of hepatocellular cases have features of autoimmunity, marked by high immunoglobulin levels, ANA or SMA positivity and liver biopsy findings that resemble autoimmune hepatitis (Cases 3 and 4). These autoimmune cases usually resolve once atorvastatin is stopped, although they may require corticosteroid therapy for resolution. Strikingly, however, some cases of apparent autoimmune hepatitis caused by atorvastatin do not resolve with stopping the medication but are self-sustained and require long term immunosuppressive therapy. It is unclear whether these cases of persistent autoimmune hepatitis are caused by the statin therapy or are triggered by statin in a susceptible host. Another possibility is that the association is coincidental and represents a de novo onset of autoimmune hepatitis in someone who happens to be taking a statin.

Likelihood score: A (well known cause of clinically apparent liver injury).

14.1.3 Drug Induced Liver Injury

Dataset
Drug-Induced Liver Injury Severity and Toxicity (DILIst)
Compound
atorvastatin
DILIst Classification
DILI Positive
Routes of Administration
Oral

14.1.4 Carcinogen Classification

Carcinogen Classification
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

14.1.5 Effects During Pregnancy and Lactation

â—‰ Summary of Use during Lactation

The consensus opinion is that women taking a statin should not breastfeed because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin. Some evidence indicates that amounts of atorvastatin and its metabolites are milk are very low and it can be taken by nursing mothers with no obvious developmental problems in their infants. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

â—‰ Effects in Breastfed Infants

In a case series of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, 6 patients breastfed 11 infants after restarting statin therapy postpartum. The specific statin used by these women was not reported, most of the women on statin therapy were using atorvastatin, either 40 or 80 mg, daily. Normal early child development was reported for all offspring. Children started school at the appropriate age and no learning difficulties were reported.

Two women who were taking atorvastatin in doses of 20 and 40 mg daily partially breastfed their infants. Mothers reported no infant adverse effects and no concerns about their development.

â—‰ Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Gynecomastia has been reported in men taking atorvastatin. Serum prolactin was normal in one case where it was measured. In another case, possible rosuvastatin-induced gynecomastia resolved after the patient’s medication was changed to atorvastatin.

Three women who were taking atorvastatin in doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg once daily donated milk samples at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after their dose. Aliquots of complete milk collections were analyzed for cholesterol. Milk cholesterol levels were within previously established norms in the range of 10 mg/dL.

14.1.6 Exposure Routes

Atorvastatin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration with maximum plasma concentrations achieved in 1 to 2 hours. The absolute bioavailability of atorvastatin (parent drug) is approximately 14% and the systemic availability of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity is approximately 30%. The low systemic bioavailability is due to presystemic clearance by gastrointestinal mucosa and first-pass metabolism in the liver.

14.1.7 Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects for patients taking atorvastatin include arthralgia, dyspepsia, diarrhea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, urinary tract infection, and pain in the extremities.

Myopathies have occurred in patients taking atorvastatin, including muscle aches, muscle tenderness, or muscle weakness, with elevated creatine phosphokinase greater than ten times the upper limit of normal. Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients using atorvastatin. Patients with impaired renal function may be at increased risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. Using atorvastatin in combination with other medications that increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations increases the risk for myopathies and rhabdomyolysis. Management of statin-induced myopathies includes temporarily holding therapy, switching to an alternative statin, or reducing the dose.

Some data suggest that statins may increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. In 2012, the FDA added safety label changes to statin safety labeling, indicating that they have been shown to increase glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting serum glucose. The ACC/AHA guidelines group and other experts state that the risk-reducing benefits of statin therapy outweigh the generally mild rise in serum glucose levels or new-onset diabetes. Clinicians are encouraged to use this opportunity to discuss healthy lifestyle measures with their patients, including weight loss, engaging in an exercise program, and consuming a healthy diet.

Atorvastatin can cause liver function test abnormalities. If patients develop serum transaminases over 3 times the upper limit of normal, plasma concentrations require more frequent monitoring until normalized or atorvastatin therapy should undergo dose reduction or be discontinued.

14.1.8 Toxicity Data

Generally well-tolerated. Side effects may include myalgia, constipation, asthenia, abdominal pain, and nausea. Other possible side effects include myotoxicity (myopathy, myositis, rhabdomyolysis) and hepatotoxicity. To avoid toxicity in Asian patients, lower doses should be considered.

14.1.9 Interactions

Concomitant use of atorvastatin with efavirenz may result in reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Following concomitant use of atorvastatin (10 mg daily for 3 days) and efavirenz (600 mg once daily for 14 days), atorvastatin peak plasma concentration and AUC were decreased by 1 and 41%, respectively.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1846
Concomitant use of atorvastatin (80 mg once daily for 14 days) and digoxin (0.25 mg once daily for 20 days) resulted in 20 and 15% increases in digoxin peak plasma concentration and AUC, respectively. Therefore, patients receiving such concomitant therapy should be monitored appropriately.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1846
Concomitant use of atorvastatin and azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole) increases the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Following concomitant use of atorvastatin (40 mg as a single dose) and itraconazole (200 mg once daily for 4 days), atorvastatin peak plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were increased by 20% and 3.3-fold, respectively. Clinicians considering concomitant use of atorvastatin and itraconazole or other azole antifungals should weigh the benefits and risks of such concomitant therapy. During concomitant therapy with itraconazole, the lowest necessary dosage of atorvastatin should be employed, and dosage of atorvastatin should not exceed 20 mg daily. Patients receiving concomitant therapy with atorvastatin and azole antifungals should be monitored for manifestations of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly during the initial months of therapy and following an increase in dosage of either drug.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1845
Concomitant use of atorvastatin and cyclosporine increases the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Following concomitant use of atorvastatin (10 mg daily for 28 days) and cyclosporine (5.2 mg/kg daily), atorvastatin peak plasma concentration and AUC were increased by 10.7- and 8.7-fold, respectively. Concomitant use of atorvastatin and cyclosporine should be avoided.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1846
For more Interactions (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (27 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.10 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160-1

14.1.11 Medical Surveillance

Primarily because of the safety data from the clinical trials, it is reasonable to measure alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at baseline at 3-6 months after therapy is initiated or after increasing the dose. If the ALT values are normal, it is not necessary to repeat the ALT test more than every 6-12 months. /Statins/
Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996., p. 987

14.1.12 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Cases of fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure have been reported rarely in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin, during postmarketing surveillance.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1844
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria has been reported rarely in patients receiving statins, including atorvastatin.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1844
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Lipitor is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy. Lipid lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hypercholesterolemia therapy.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ ...In a prospective, observational cohort study with a comparison group to examine a fetal toxicity risk of statins, we followed 64 pregnant women taking statins, and 64 comparison group women without exposure to known teratogens. The statin group women were exposed to atorvastatin (n=46), simvastatin (n=9), pravastatin (n=6), or rosuvastatin (n=3) during the first trimester. There was no difference in the rate of major malformations between the statin group (1/46 live birth: 2.2%) and the comparison group (1/52 live birth: 1.9%, p=0.93). Similarly, there were no statistical differences between the statin and comparison groups in live births (71.9% vs 81.2%), spontaneous abortions (14: 21.9% vs 11: 17.2%), therapeutic abortions (3: 4.7% vs 0: 0%) and stillbirths (1: 1.5% vs 1: 1.6%). Gestational age at birth (38.4+/-2.8 weeks vs 39.3+/-1.3 weeks: M+/-S.D., p=0.04) and birth weight (3.14+/-0.68 kg vs 3.45+/-0.42 kg, p=0.01) were lower in the statin group. The absolute risk of teratogenicity of statins, if any, appears relatively small.
Taguchi N et al; Reprod Toxicol 26 (2): 175-7 (2008)
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.13 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ This study aimed to investigate atorvastatin-induced hepatotoxicity in diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The results showed that 40 mg/kg atorvastatin was lethal to diabetic rats, whose mean survival time was 6.2 days. Severe liver injury also occurred in diabetic rats treated with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg atorvastatin. The in vitro results indicated that atorvastatin cytotoxicity in hepatocytes of diabetic rats was more severe than normal and high-fat diet feeding rats. Expressions and activities of hepatic Cyp3a and SLCO1B1 were increased in diabetic rats, which were highly correlated with hepatotoxicity. Antioxidants (glutathione and N-Acetylcysteine), Cyp3a inhibitor ketoconazole and SLCO1B1 inhibitor gemfibrozil suppressed cytotoxicity and ROS formation in primary hepatocytes of diabetic rats. In HepG2 cells, up-regulations of CYP3A4 and SLCO1B1 potentiated hepatotoxicity and ROS generation, whereas knockdowns of CYP3A4 and SLCO1B1 as well as CYP3A4/SLCO1B1 inhibitions showed the opposite effects. Phenobarbital pretreatment was used to induce hepatic Cyp3a and SLCO1B1 in rats. Phenobarbital aggravated atorvastatin-induced hepatotoxicity, while decreased plasma exposure of atorvastatin. All these findings demonstrated that the upregulations of hepatic Cyp3a and SLCO1B1 in diabetic rats potentiated atorvastatin-induced hepatotoxicity via increasing ROS formation.
Shu N et al; Sci Rep 6: 33072 (2016)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ By using fura-2 cytofluorimetry on intact extensor digitorum longus muscle fibers, here we provided the first evidence that 2 months in vivo chronic treatment of rats with fluvastatin (5 and 20 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (5 and 10 mg/ kg) caused an alteration of calcium homeostasis. All treated animals showed a significant increase of resting cytosolic calcium [Ca2+]i, up to 60% with the higher fluvastatin dose and up to 20% with the other treatments. The [Ca2+]i rise induced by statin administration was not due to an increase of sarcolemmal permeability to calcium. Furthermore, the treatments reduced caffeine responsiveness. In vitro application of fluvastatin caused changes of [Ca2+]i, resembling the effect obtained after the in vivo administration. Indeed, fluvastatin produced a shift of mechanical threshold for contraction toward negative potentials and an increase of resting [Ca2+]i. By using ruthenium red and cyclosporine A, we determined the sequence of the statin-induced Ca2+ release mechanism. Mitochondria appeared as the cellular structure responsible for the earlier event leading to a subsequent large sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. In conclusion, we suggest that calcium homeostasis alteration may be a crucial event for myotoxicity induced by this widely used class of hypolipidemic drugs.
Liantonio A et al; J Pharmacol Exp Ther 321 (2): 626-34 (2007)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ A 2-year carcinogenicity study in mice given 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day resulted in a significant increase in liver adenomas in high-dose males and liver carcinomas in high-dose females. These findings occurred at plasma AUC (0-24) values of approximately 6 times the mean human plasma drug exposure after an 80 mg oral dose.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats at dose levels of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/day, 2 rare tumors were found in muscle in high-dose females: in one, there was a rhabdomyosarcoma and, in another, there was a fibrosarcoma. This dose represents a plasma AUC (0-24) value of approximately 16 times the mean human plasma drug exposure after an 80 mg oral dose.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for ATORVASTATIN (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.14 Ongoing Test Status

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of October 28, 2016: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

14.1.15 Populations at Special Risk

Ethnicity plays a modulating role in atorvastatin pharmacokinetics (PK), with Asian patients reported to have higher exposure compared with Caucasians.
Tsamandouras N et al; Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2016 Oct 26. (Epub ahead of print)
Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial amounts of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease. The drug is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum aminotransferase concentrations.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1844
Lipitor is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides increase during normal pregnancy. Lipid lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy because cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term outcomes of primary hypercholesterolemia therapy.
NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film-coated (Updated: November 2015). Available from, as of October 28, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6e131fe-e7df-4876-83f7-9156fc4e8228
In a post-hoc analysis of the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) study in hypercholesterolemic patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease (CHD) who had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the past 1-6 months, therapy with high-dose atorvastatin (80 mg daily) for a median of 4.9 years was associated with a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke (2.3%) compared with placebo (1.4%). The incidence of fatal hemorrhagic stroke was similar between atorvastatin and placebo, while the incidence of nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke was substantially higher with atorvastatin (1.6%) compared with placebo (0.7%). Among patients receiving atorvastatin, those with a history of hemorrhagic or lacunar stroke at study entry were at increased risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1845
The risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis is increased in geriatric patients (65 years of age or older) and in patients with uncontrolled hypothyroidism or renal impairment. Patients with renal impairment should be more closely monitored for adverse musculoskeletal effects. The risk of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis also is increased when atorvastatin is used concomitantly with cyclosporine, fibric acid derivatives, antilipemic dosages (1 g daily or higher) of niacin, or potent inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 (e.g., azole antifungals, certain macrolide antibiotics, certain HIV protease inhibitors or ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor regimens, certain hepatitis C virus [HCV] protease inhibitors). Myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, has been reported following concomitant use of atorvastatin and colchicine.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 1844

14.2 Ecological Information

14.2.1 Ecotoxicity Values

EC50; Species: Xenopus laevis (African Clawed Frog) blastula; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 23 °C, pH 6.5-9, hardness 16-400 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 23100 ug/L for 96 hr; Effect: development, increased deformation /98.0% purity/
Richards SM, Cole SE; Ecotoxicology 15 (8): 647-656 (2006) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of November 3, 2016
EC50; Species: Hyalella azteca (Scud) age 7-14 days; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 22.4 °C, pH 7.7, hardness 0.13 mmol, dissolved oxygen 6.5 mg/L; Concentration: 2400 ug/L for 10 days (95% confidence interval: 1300-3560 ug/L); Effect: growth, decreased weight /> or=99% purity/
Dussault EB et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 27 (2): 425-432 (2008) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of November 3, 2016
LC50; Species: Hyalella azteca (Scud) age 7-14 days; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 22.4 °C, pH 7.7, hardness 0.13 mmol, dissolved oxygen 6.5 mg/L; Concentration: 1500 ug/L for 10 days (95% confidence interval: 1100-1970 ug/L) /> or=99% purity/
Dussault EB et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 27 (2): 425-432 (2008) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of November 3, 2016

14.2.2 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The presence of pharmaceutical substances in the municipal effluents is currently considered the principal source of bio-active molecule emissions into aquatic environments. This study analyzes the genotoxic damage caused by gemfibrozil and atorvastatin, two regulators of the hematic level of lipids, and sildenafil citrate, a vasodilator, on the teleost Danio rerio. The genotoxicity of these three compounds was evaluated using the comet assay, diffusion assay, and RAPD-PCR. The alkaline version (pH 12.1) of the comet assay was used for the erythrocytes of the zebrafish to evaluate the presence of single strand DNA breaks. Furthermore, the diffusion assay was used to estimate the number of apoptotic cells. The fish were treated with the three pharmacological agents at the average concentrations previously found at some Italian treatment plants and were then sacrificed from 5 to 35 days after exposure. The data of the comet assay showed a statistically significant loss of DNA integrity after 5 days of exposure to atorvastatin and after one week of exposure to gemfibrozil. This damage was, however, repaired after 14 days. Sildenafil citrate produced, instead, a statistically significant loss of DNA integrity at the concentrations found only after 35 days of exposure. The genotoxicity at the molecular level was tested by RAPD-PCR. The results from this investigation are in agreement with those from two other tests, confirming the efficacy of the use of the three experimental approaches for the complete evaluation of genotoxic damage.
Rocco L et al; Environ Toxicol 27 (1): 18-25 (2012)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ...The toxicity of four /pharmaceuticals and personal care products/ (PPCPs)-the lipid regulator atorvastatin (ATO), the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ), the synthetic hormone 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and the antimicrobial triclosan (TCS)-to the midge Chironomus tentans and the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca /was examined/ in 10-day waterborne exposures. The toxicity of the four compounds varied between 0.20 and 47.3 mg/L (median lethal concentration), with a relative toxicity ranking of TCS > EE2 > ATO > CBZ. Hyalella azteca was more sensitive than C. tentans to these compounds. The toxicity data were used in a hazard quotient approach to evaluate the risk posed by the four PPCPs to benthic invertebrates and other aquatic organisms. For each compound, a hazard quotient was calculated by dividing the lowest toxicity value by the highest exposure value found in the literature, to which an uncertainty factor was applied. With hazard quotients of 3.55 to 11.5, we conclude that potential risks exist toward benthic invertebrates for the toxicity of TCS and CBZ and that further investigations of these compounds are required to characterize more completely the risks to benthic organisms. In contrast, our data also indicate that considering the low concentrations currently detected in the environment, ATO and EE2 pose negligible risks to benthic invertebrates.
Dussault EB et al; EnvironToxicol Chem 27 (2): 425-32 (2008)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ...The aim of the present study was to quantify the cytotoxic effects of acid and lactone forms of two statins, atorvastatin and simvastatin, as well as selected metabolites (ortho- and para-hydroxy atorvastatin acid, ortho-hydroxy atorvastatin lactone, simvastatin hydroxyl carboxylic acid, and 3''hydroxy simvastatin lactone) to hepatocytes from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Hepatocytes were exposed for 24, 48, and 72 hr to different concentrations of each test substance (0.4-400 uM). Cytotoxicity was measured as metabolic inhibition and loss of membrane integrity with the fluorescent probes alamar blue (AB) and 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, acetoxymethyl ester (CFDA-AM), respectively. Atorvastatin, simvastatin, and ortho-hydroxy atorvastatin lactone had dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on hepatocytes. Simvastatin was more toxic than atorvastatin and the lactone form more toxic than the acid form. Exposure time affected atorvastatin and ortho-hydroxy atorvastatin lactone but not simvastatin toxicity.
Ellesat KS et al; Toxicol In Vitro 24 (6): 1610-18 (2010)

14.2.3 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Atorvastatin's production and administration as a medication may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 7.0X10-25 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates atorvastatin will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Particulate-phase atorvastatin will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Atorvastatin contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, atorvastatin is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 400. The estimated pKa1 of atorvastatin is 4.3, indicating that this compound will exist partially in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-23 atm-cu m/mole. Atorvastatin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. 80-90% removal during aerobic wastewater treatment suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil and water. If released into water, atorvastatin is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 60 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9). Occupational exposure to atorvastatin may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where atorvastatin is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to atorvastatin via inhalation of dermal contact with ingestion of contaminated water, and medical administration of atorvastatin. (SRC)

14.2.4 Artificial Pollution Sources

Atorvastatin's production and administration as a medication(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
(1) National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Atorvastatin. Online file (MeSH, 2016). Available from, as of Oct 28, 2016: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2016/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html

14.2.5 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 400(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 6.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), indicates that atorvastatin is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). The estimated pKa1 of atorvastatin is 4.3(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of atorvastatin from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-23 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(5). Atorvastatin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 7.0X10-25 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2). 80-90% removal during aerobic wastewater treatment(6) suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) ACE; ACE and JChem acidity and basicity calculator. ACE UKY-4.0. 2005-2015. Marvin JS. ChemAxon. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://epoch.uky.edu/ace/public/pKa.jsp
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)
(5) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991)
(6) Ottmar KJ et al; Chemosphere 88: 1184-89 (2012)
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 400(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 6.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), indicates that atorvastatin is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-23 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 60(SRC), from its estimated log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). 80-90% removal during aerobic wastewater treatment(6) suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991)
(5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(6) Ottmar KJ et al; Chemosphere 88: 1184-89 (2012)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), atorvastatin, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 7.0X10-25 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase atorvastatin may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Atorvastatin contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 8-12 (1990)

14.2.6 Environmental Biodegradation

AEROBIC: Atorvastatin, present at 1 mg/L, was 80-90% removed using an activated sludge biomass from a wastewater treatment plant located in southeastern US. <10% sorption occurred(1).
(1) Ottmar KJ et al; Chemosphere 88: 1184-89 (2012)

14.2.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

Atorvastatin is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(1). Atorvastatin contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(1) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Atorvastatin, present at 10 uM in solution, photodegraded rapidly when exposed to a Xe lamp at lamp intensity of 765 w/sq m suggesting photodegradation in sunlit water may be an important fate process(2).
(1) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5, 8-12 (1990)
(2) Fatta-Kassinos D et al; Chemosphere 85: 693-709 (2011)

14.2.8 Environmental Bioconcentration

An estimated BCF of 60 was calculated in fish for atorvastatin(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 6.36(1) and a regression-derived equation(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). No bioconcentration was observed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) which were exposed over an 8-day period(3).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(3) Zhang X et al; Environ Sci Technol 44: 3417-3422 (2010)

14.2.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

The Koc of atorvastatin is estimated as 400(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 6.36(1) and a regression-derived equation(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that atorvastatin is expected to have moderate mobility in soil. The estimated pKa1 of atorvastatin is 4.3(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(3) ACE; ACE and JChem acidity and basicity calculator. ACE UKY-4.0. 2005-2015. Marvin JS. ChemAxon. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://epoch.uky.edu/ace/public/pKa.jsp
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)

14.2.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil

The Henry's Law constant for atorvastatin is estimated as 2.4X10-23 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that atorvastatin is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water and moist soil surfaces(2). Atorvastatin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 6.9X10-25 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3).
(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991)
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(3) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 10, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools

14.2.11 Environmental Water Concentrations

DRINKING WATER: Atorvastatin was detected in 3 of 19 US drinking water treatment plants: 19 source water samples contained a median concentration of 0.80 ng/L. It was not detected in related 18 samples of finished waters or 15 distribution systems. Sampling was conducted from 2006-2007(1).
(1) Benotti MJ et al; Environ Sci Tech 43: 597-603 (2009)
SURFACE WATER: Atorvastatin was detected at <0.50-2.6 ng/L in 6 surface water samples from the Han River and at 0.9-14 ng/L in 4 samples from an effluent dominated creek water that flows into the Han River in Seoul, South Korea; samples were collected Sept 30, 2008(1). The compound was reported at a maximum concentration of 198 ng/L in surface water samples from northern and central Italy, reviewed from 1997-2013(2). A concentration range of not detected to 52.3 ng/L was reported for the Elbe River, northeast Spain, sampled in December 2009(3). Atorvastatin concentration range of 3.0-101.3 ng/L (median 6.8 ng/L) and a detection frequency of 4.7% was reported following sampling of the upper Tennessee River basin from December 2006 to October 2007(4). Atorvastatin exhibited a 50% frequency of detection in 7 surface water samples from the Great Lakes, with a concentration range of 0.0050-0.0150 ug/L, mean of 0.0088 ug/L(5).
(1) Yoon Y et al; Sci Total Environ 408: 636-643 (2010)
(2) Meffe R, de Bustamante I; Sci Total Environ 481: 280-295 (2014)
(3) Ferreira da Silva B et al; Chemosphere 85: 1331-9 (2011)
(4) Conley JM et al; Chemosphere 73: 1178-1187 (2008)
(5) Klecka G et al; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 207: 1-93 (2010)

14.2.12 Effluent Concentrations

Atorvastatin concentrations of 1.56 and 0.21 ug/L were reported in influent and effluent, respectively, at a wastewater treatment plant in southeastern US(1). Based on an annual consumption of 6496.94 kg/yr, the estimated atovastatin elimination from primary and secondary treatment processes was 56.25 and 58%, respectively, from wastewater facilities in Spain in 2009, giving a predicted environmental occurrence of 15.31 ng/L(2).
(1) Ottmar KJ et al; Chemosphere 88: 1184-89 (2012)
(2) Ortiz de Garcia S et al; Sci Total Environ 444: 451-65 (2013)

14.2.13 Sediment / Soil Concentrations

SEDIMENT: A concentration range of not detected to 2.99 ng/g was reported for sediments from the Elbe River, northeast Spain, sampled in December 2009(1).
(1) Ferreira da Silva B et al; Chemosphere 85: 1331-9 (2011)

14.2.14 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

Occupational exposure to atorvastatin may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where atorvastatin is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to atorvastatin via inhalation of dermal contact with ingestion of contaminated water, and medical administration of atorvastatin. (SRC)

15 Associated Disorders and Diseases

Disease
Colorectal cancer
References

PubMed: 7482520, 22148915, 19006102, 23940645, 24424155, 20156336, 19678709, 25105552, 21773981, 25037050, 27015276, 27107423, 27275383, 28587349

Silke Matysik, Caroline Ivanne Le Roy, Gerhard Liebisch, Sandrine Paule Claus. Metabolomics of fecal samples: A practical consideration. Trends in Food Science & Technology. Vol. 57, Part B, Nov. 2016, p.244-255: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224416301984

Disease
Sepsis
References

16 Literature

16.1 Consolidated References

16.2 Springer Nature References

16.3 Thieme References

16.4 Nature Journal References

16.5 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.6 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.7 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.8 Chemical-Organism Co-Occurrences in Literature

17 Patents

17.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

17.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

17.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.6 Chemical-Organism Co-Occurrences in Patents

18 Interactions and Pathways

18.1 Protein Bound 3D Structures

18.1.1 Ligands from Protein Bound 3D Structures

PDBe Ligand Code
PDBe Structure Code
PDBe Conformer

18.2 Chemical-Target Interactions

18.3 Pathways

19 Biological Test Results

19.1 BioAssay Results

20 Taxonomy

21 Classification

21.1 MeSH Tree

21.2 NCI Thesaurus Tree

21.3 ChEBI Ontology

21.4 KEGG: USP

21.5 KEGG: ATC

21.6 KEGG: Target-based Classification of Drugs

21.7 KEGG: Drug Groups

21.8 KEGG: Drug Classes

21.9 WHO ATC Classification System

21.10 FDA Pharm Classes

21.11 ChemIDplus

21.12 IUPHAR / BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY Target Classification

21.13 ChEMBL Target Tree

21.14 UN GHS Classification

21.15 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

21.16 CCSBase Classification

21.17 EPA DSSTox Classification

21.18 FDA Drug Type and Pharmacologic Classification

21.19 PFAS and Fluorinated Organic Compounds in PubChem

21.20 CCS Classification - Baker Lab

21.21 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

21.22 Chemicals in PubChem from Regulatory Sources

21.23 ATCvet Classification

21.24 FDA Liver Toxicity Knowledge Base (LTKB)

21.25 Open Targets Classification

22 Information Sources

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  3. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
    LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    ATORVASTATIN
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  4. BindingDB
    LICENSE
    All data curated by BindingDB staff are provided under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/).
    https://www.bindingdb.org/rwd/bind/info.jsp
  5. Chemical Probes Portal
  6. DrugBank
    LICENSE
    Creative Common's Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode)
    https://www.drugbank.ca/legal/terms_of_use
  7. DrugCentral
  8. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY
    LICENSE
    The Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database is licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/. Its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
    https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/about.jsp#license
    Guide to Pharmacology Target Classification
    https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/targets.jsp
  9. Therapeutic Target Database (TTD)
  10. Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
    LICENSE
    T3DB is offered to the public as a freely available resource. Use and re-distribution of the data, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes requires explicit permission of the authors and explicit acknowledgment of the source material (T3DB) and the original publication.
    https://t3db.ca/downloads
  11. CAS Common Chemistry
    LICENSE
    The data from CAS Common Chemistry is provided under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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    ChemIDplus Chemical Information Classification
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  14. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
    LICENSE
    Use of the information, documents and data from the ECHA website is subject to the terms and conditions of this Legal Notice, and subject to other binding limitations provided for under applicable law, the information, documents and data made available on the ECHA website may be reproduced, distributed and/or used, totally or in part, for non-commercial purposes provided that ECHA is acknowledged as the source: "Source: European Chemicals Agency, http://echa.europa.eu/". Such acknowledgement must be included in each copy of the material. ECHA permits and encourages organisations and individuals to create links to the ECHA website under the following cumulative conditions: Links can only be made to webpages that provide a link to the Legal Notice page.
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    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  16. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  17. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
    LICENSE
    HMDB is offered to the public as a freely available resource. Use and re-distribution of the data, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes requires explicit permission of the authors and explicit acknowledgment of the source material (HMDB) and the original publication (see the HMDB citing page). We ask that users who download significant portions of the database cite the HMDB paper in any resulting publications.
    https://www.hmdb.ca/citing
  18. NIAID ChemDB
    LICENSE
    The NIAID ChemDB information received cannot be sold and is only to be used for research purposes.
    (3R,5R)-7-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-4-(phenylcarbamoyl)pyrrol-1-yl]-3,5-dihydroxy-heptanoic acid
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  19. ChEBI
  20. FDA Pharm Classes
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  21. LiverTox
  22. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise indicated, all text within NCI products is free of copyright and may be reused without our permission. Credit the National Cancer Institute as the source.
    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  23. RRUFF Project
  24. ChEMBL
    LICENSE
    Access to the web interface of ChEMBL is made under the EBI's Terms of Use (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html). The ChEMBL data is made available on a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/).
    http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html
  25. Open Targets
    LICENSE
    Datasets generated by the Open Targets Platform are freely available for download.
    https://platform-docs.opentargets.org/licence
    Disease Classification
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  26. StatPearls
    LICENSE
    This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ), which permits others to distribute the work, provided that the article is not altered or used commercially. You are not required to obtain permission to distribute this article, provided that you credit the author and journal.
  27. ClinicalTrials.gov
    LICENSE
    The ClinicalTrials.gov data carry an international copyright outside the United States and its Territories or Possessions. Some ClinicalTrials.gov data may be subject to the copyright of third parties; you should consult these entities for any additional terms of use.
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  28. DailyMed
  29. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
  30. WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines
    LICENSE
    Permission from WHO is not required for the use of WHO materials issued under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Intergovernmental Organization (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO) license.
    https://www.who.int/about/policies/publishing/copyright
  31. EU Clinical Trials Register
  32. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
    LICENSE
    Information on the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) website is subject to a disclaimer and copyright and limited reproduction notices.
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/about-website/legal-notice
  33. FDA Liver Toxicity Knowledge Base (LTKB)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  34. GlyCosmos Glycoscience Portal
    LICENSE
    All copyrightable parts of the datasets in GlyCosmos are under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) License.
    https://glycosmos.org/license
  35. GlyTouCan Project
  36. Japan Chemical Substance Dictionary (Nikkaji)
  37. KEGG
    LICENSE
    Academic users may freely use the KEGG website. Non-academic use of KEGG generally requires a commercial license
    https://www.kegg.jp/kegg/legal.html
    Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification
    http://www.genome.jp/kegg-bin/get_htext?br08303.keg
    Target-based classification of drugs
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    LICENSE
    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
    https://markerdb.ca/
  39. MassBank Europe
  40. MassBank of North America (MoNA)
    LICENSE
    The content of the MoNA database is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
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  41. SpectraBase
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  43. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
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    LICENSE
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    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm/docs/termsofservice.html
  48. WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification
    LICENSE
    Use of all or parts of the material requires reference to the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. Copying and distribution for commercial purposes is not allowed. Changing or manipulating the material is not allowed.
    https://www.whocc.no/copyright_disclaimer/
  49. WHO ATCvet - Classification of Veterinary Medicines
    LICENSE
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    https://atcddd.fhi.no/copyright_disclaimer/
  50. PharmGKB
    LICENSE
    PharmGKB data are subject to the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareALike 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).
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  51. Pharos
    LICENSE
    Data accessed from Pharos and TCRD is publicly available from the primary sources listed above. Please respect their individual licenses regarding proper use and redistribution.
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  52. Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe)
  53. RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)
    LICENSE
    Data files contained in the PDB archive (ftp://ftp.wwpdb.org) are free of all copyright restrictions and made fully and freely available for both non-commercial and commercial use. Users of the data should attribute the original authors of that structural data.
    https://www.rcsb.org/pages/policies
  54. Springer Nature
  55. Thieme Chemistry
    LICENSE
    The Thieme Chemistry contribution within PubChem is provided under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
  56. Wikidata
  57. Wikipedia
  58. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
    LICENSE
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    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/copyright.html
    Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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  62. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
CONTENTS