Based on NIH | Is constipation a known side effect of atorvastatin, and how common is it?

Short answer

Yes constipation is a recognized side effect of atorvastatin, though it appears to be relatively uncommon and usually mild. ^[1] Some official drug information lists constipation among less common gastrointestinal symptoms, and most cases improve with simple measures or dose adjustment if needed. ^{[1] [2]}

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What the official information says

• Constipation is listed among the “less common” adverse effects in authoritative drug references for atorvastatin. ^[1] In the same listings, other gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion (dyspepsia), heartburn, nausea, and gas are also mentioned. ^[1]

• U.S. labeling material for combination amlodipine/atorvastatin tablets also includes constipation in the reported adverse reactions, supporting that constipation has been observed with atorvastatin exposure. ^[3] Similar wording appears across multiple label entries for this combination product, reinforcing consistency of this side‑effect listing. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

• Some labeling text notes that constipation has been among commonly reported complaints with statins in general, with higher doses and older age sometimes acting as contributing factors; most cases are described as mild and transient and often respond to conventional measures or temporary dose changes. ^[2]

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How common is constipation with atorvastatin?

• Precise, pooled percentages for constipation specifically are not consistently reported in large placebo‑controlled atorvastatin trial tables; many labels detail rates for other gastrointestinal events (like diarrhea and dyspepsia), while constipation is acknowledged qualitatively as an observed event rather than quantified in those tables. ^{[7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]}

• Practical takeaway: constipation appears to be less frequent than symptoms such as diarrhea or dyspepsia that are given explicit rates in trial summaries, and when it occurs, it is usually mild. ^{[7] [8]}

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Comparison of gastrointestinal side effects mentioned in official sources

The table below aligns how gastrointestinal events are presented in widely used official materials. Where exact rates for constipation aren’t provided, it is marked as “listed, not quantified.”

GI side effect	Presence in atorvastatin references	Typical frequency presentation
Constipation	Listed as less common or reported adverse reaction	Listed, not quantified; generally considered uncommon and usually mild [1] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Dyspepsia (indigestion)	Common in trial tables	Quantified in multiple label tables (e.g., around 3–6% depending on dose/study) [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Diarrhea	Common in trial tables	Quantified and often more frequent than constipation [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Nausea/heartburn	Listed among GI symptoms	Sometimes quantified; varies by study [1] [7]

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Why it may happen and who might notice it more

• While the exact mechanism is not well defined, changes in gastrointestinal motility or individual sensitivity may play a role, and higher statin doses or older age have been mentioned as potential factors for constipation complaints. ^[2] Most instances are described as mild and short‑lived. ^[2]

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Practical tips if you experience constipation

• Increase hydration, fiber intake, and physical activity, which can ease mild constipation. If needed, short‑term use of gentle stool softeners or fiber supplements can help, guided by your clinician. Most reported cases respond to these steps. ^[2]

• If constipation persists, becomes severe, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, discuss with your clinician; dose adjustment or trying a different statin may be considered in select cases. ^[2]

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Bottom line

• Constipation is a known, generally uncommon side effect of atorvastatin and is usually mild and manageable. ^[1] When it occurs, it often improves with simple measures, and only a minority of people need dose changes or discontinuation. ^[2]