Do I need to fast when taking atorvastatin, or can I take it with food?

Most people taking atorvastatin tablets do not need to fast; the standard tablet can be taken with or without food at any time of day, as long as you take it at the same time each day. ^{[1] [2]} However, there is a liquid suspension form of atorvastatin (brand: ATORVALIQ) that should be taken on an empty stomach because food can lower how much medicine your body absorbs. ^[3]

Quick answer

• Atorvastatin tablets: Can be taken with or without food; choose a consistent time each day. ^{[1] [2]}
• Atorvastatin oral suspension (ATORVALIQ): Take only on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) because food can reduce the drug exposure by about 30%, which may matter clinically. ^[3]

Why food matters for some forms

For conventional atorvastatin tablets, food does not meaningfully change how well the medicine works, so flexibility with meals is acceptable. ^{[1] [2]} In contrast, for the oral suspension (ATORVALIQ), a meal decreases both peak level (Cmax) and overall exposure (AUC) by roughly 30%, so it is directed to be taken without food to keep levels predictable. ^[3]

Practical tips for taking atorvastatin

• Stay consistent: Take your tablet form at the same time each day to build a routine and maintain steady cholesterol control. ^{[1] [2]}
• Do not split or crush tablets unless your prescriber says so: They are meant to be swallowed whole. ^[1]
• Morning vs evening: Blood levels can be lower if taken in the evening, but the LDL (“bad” cholesterol) reduction is similar; choose a time you can stick with. ^[3]
• Diet still matters: Keep following a heart‑healthy, low‑fat diet while on therapy. ^[1]

Grapefruit, alcohol, and missed doses

• Grapefruit: Large amounts of grapefruit juice can interact with atorvastatin; discuss your usual intake with your clinician. ^[4]
• Alcohol: Avoid heavy alcohol use because it can raise the risk of liver side effects. ^[4]
• Missed dose (tablet): Take it when you remember unless it’s been more than 12 hours; if so, skip and resume your normal schedule don’t double up. ^[5]

Summary

• If you have atorvastatin tablets, you generally don’t need to fast; you may take them with or without food at a consistent time daily. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you have the liquid oral suspension (ATORVALIQ), take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food) to avoid reduced absorption. ^[3]