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Compare Lipitor vs. Pravachol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Pravastatin (Pravachol) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it can lower your cholesterol more than many other statins, while Pravastatin is considered a low-to-moderate-intensity statin. Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day, whereas Pravastatin is often recommended to be taken at night for better effectiveness. Atorvastatin is available as a lower-cost generic and also comes in a liquid form (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, while Pravastatin is only available as a generic tablet. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and liver problems, but Pravastatin is noted to have fewer interactions with other medications and might be better tolerated. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Pravastatin
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Pravastatin

  • Summary of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that helps lower cholesterol. As a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, it can lower cholesterol by a greater amount than many other statins. It can also help protect your heart health. The dosage is taken by mouth once a day. Atorvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Lipitor and a generic. There's also a liquid form that only comes as brand name Atorvaliq. It's possible to have side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and stomach upset. Most times, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken along with a heart-healthy diet to get the most benefits from treatment.

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Pravastatin is a statin that's used to lower cholesterol in adults and certain children. By lowering your cholesterol levels, the medication helps protect your heart and blood vessels from serious and even life-threatening medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Pravastatin should be taken with a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for it to work as best as possible. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Pravastatin side effects include muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

  • Indications of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Lowering the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at high risk
    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at risk for heart problems
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain adults
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels in children age 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

  • Pros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can lower cholesterol by more than 50% at higher doses
    •Taken just once a day
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with genetic cholesterol problems
    •Also available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can't take if you have liver problems
    •Higher risk of side effects for some people, like older adults and people who drink alcohol daily
    •Risk of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis
    •Not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Has fewer interactions with other medications than other statins
    •Might be safer and better tolerated than other statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Recommended to take in the evening to work better
    •Doesn't replace having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Not a high-intensity statin
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle, joint, or bone pain (25%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (21%)
    •Chest pain (10%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)

  • Warnings of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible higher risk of brain bleed in certain people taking the 80 mg dose
    •Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

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