Comparing Atorvastatin vs Simvastatin

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Atorvastatin Remove Atorvastatin from your drug comparison	Simvastatin Remove Simvastatin from your drug comparison	Add another drug to compare

Atorvastatin

Simvastatin

Atorvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol - Familial Heterozygous... View more

Simvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may cause muscle pain particularly at higher dosages. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol -... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 246 reviews

View all 119 reviews

Drug Class

Statins

Statins

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis.

See the full atorvastatin side effects document.

See the full simvastatin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	50 each
Dosage	20 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.43 - $0.63
Cost^*	$21.53 - $31.70

View all atorvastatin prices

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	40 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.27 - $0.95
Cost^*	$27.19 - $95.00

View all simvastatin prices

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral tablet

Oral tablet

Brand Names

Lipitor FloLipid, Zocor

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

14 hours

N/A

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 328 drugs are known to interact with atorvastatin:

42 major drug interactions (134 brand and generic names)
252 moderate drug interactions (723 brand and generic names)
34 minor drug interactions (244 brand and generic names)

A total of 276 drugs are known to interact with simvastatin:

55 major drug interactions (218 brand and generic names)
211 moderate drug interactions (551 brand and generic names)
10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side... View more
Atorvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more

Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of simvastatin. This can increase the... View more
Simvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 17, 1996

December 23, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Advanced Reading

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer