Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both statins used to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and to raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). However, there are some key differences between the two. Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin, while atorvastatin is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, meaning atorvastatin can lower cholesterol levels more effectively. Lovastatin is typically taken once a day with dinner, whereas atorvastatin is taken once daily and can be taken at any time of the day. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle pain and liver problems, as well as cause more common side effects such as joint pain and diarrhea. Additionally, atorvastatin is available as a liquid form (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, while lovastatin does not have this option. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Lovastatin
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Lovastatin
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that's taken once or twice per day. It's used to lower cholesterol in certain adults and children ages 10 years and older to help prevent heart attack or stroke. This medication lowers your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat) levels. It can also raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL). Follow a heart-healthy diet and get regular exercise while you're taking lovastatin so the medication can work as best as possible. Lovastatin side effects include stomach upset and headache.

    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.

  • Indications of Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack) in people at risk for heart disease
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and improve "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels
    •Lowers the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol, like heart attack or stroke, in people with certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace having a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Has more dosing limits for certain drug interactions than some other statins
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gas (4-5%)
    •Constipation (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2-3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)
    •Muscle pain (2-3%)
    •Headache (2-3%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Learn more about Lovastatin
    Learn more about Atorvastatin

Compare other Coronary Artery Disease and High Cholesterol drugs

Lovastatin vs AntaraLovastatin vs AtorvastatinLovastatin vs LivaloLovastatin vs NiaspanLovastatin vs RosuvastatinFluvastatin vs RosuvastatinLipitor vs NiaspanNiaspan vs AntaraNiaspan vs AtorvastatinNiaspan vs CrestorNiaspan vs LopidNiaspan vs Omega 3 AcidNiaspan vs TrilipixNiaspan vs VytorinOmega 3 Acid vs AtorvastatinPitavastatin vs RosuvastatinPravastatin vs AntaraPravastatin vs AtorvastatinPravastatin vs LivaloPravastatin vs RosuvastatinRosuvastatin vs AtorvastatinRosuvastatin vs SimvastatinSimvastatin vs AntaraSimvastatin vs AtorvastatinSimvastatin vs LivaloSimvastatin vs NiaspanTrilipix vs AtorvastatinVytorin vs AtorvastatinZetia vs AntaraZetia vs Niaspan
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.