Key takeaways
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Niacin ER (extended-release) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Atorvastatin, a statin, is a first-choice medication that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. Niacin ER, also known as vitamin B3, is an antilipemic medication that also lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL, but it is not a first-choice option. Niacin ER works by blocking the release of fat from fatty tissue and slowing down cholesterol production in the liver. Atorvastatin is typically taken once daily and can be taken at any time of day, while Niacin ER is taken once daily at bedtime. Common side effects of atorvastatin include muscle pain and liver issues, whereas Niacin ER often causes flushing and stomach upset. Both medications can cause serious muscle problems, but Niacin ER is more likely to cause flushing and liver damage, especially if you switch between its immediate-release and extended-release forms without adjusting the dose.
