Based on NIH | Can atorvastatin cause frequent urination, and how common is this side effect?

Short answer

Yes, atorvastatin can be associated with urinary symptoms such as frequent urination (pollakiuria) or increased urination, but this appears to be uncommon. Signals for lower urinary tract symptoms have been detected in pharmacovigilance databases, and some official drug information lists urinary effects among possible adverse events, typically at low frequencies. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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What does “frequent urination” mean here?

Frequent urination (often called pollakiuria) refers to needing to urinate more often than usual, including daytime frequency or nighttime urination (nocturia). These are considered “storage” symptoms within lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Increased urination and thirst can also appear together, and may overlap with metabolic effects. ^[1]

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Evidence from official drug information

• Some authoritative drug monographs note urinary-related adverse effects for atorvastatin-containing products. Lists include “increased urination,” “micturition frequency,” “micturition disorder,” and “nocturia.” These were reported in clinical trials for combination amlodipine/atorvastatin, generally at rates below 1–2% in placebo-controlled settings or across multiple-dose studies. ^{[2] [4] [5] [6]}

• Consumer-facing safety summaries for atorvastatin also include “painful or difficult urination” and “increased urination” among less common or additional adverse effects, indicating that urinary symptoms are recognized but not among the most common side effects. ^{[7] [1]}

• Large tables of common adverse reactions for atorvastatin often highlight conditions like urinary tract infection in the 4–8% range; however, UTI is distinct from simple urinary frequency and doesn’t prove a causal link to frequency per se. ^{[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]}

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Pharmacovigilance signal for LUTS

Analyses of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) found small but statistically significant disproportional reporting odds for both voiding and storage LUTS with statins, including atorvastatin. For storage symptoms (like frequency/nocturia) the reporting odds ratio was about 1.25, suggesting a modest signal in real‑world reports; for voiding symptoms, about 1.16. Individual statins such as atorvastatin showed significant disproportionality for both categories. These signals do not prove causation, but they support that urinary symptoms can occur in a minority of users. ^{[3] [13]}

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How common is it?

• In controlled trials cited for the amlodipine/atorvastatin combination, urinary symptoms like “micturition frequency” and “nocturia” were generally reported in less than 1–2% of participants. This places frequent urination in the “uncommon” range. ^{[2] [4] [5] [6]}

• Post‑marketing data show a modest signal rather than high rates; the absolute risk appears low, but not zero. ^{[3] [13]}

• Standard atorvastatin labels emphasize other common adverse events; urinary frequency is not among the top common effects listed for atorvastatin alone. ^{[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]}

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Possible mechanisms and confounders

The exact mechanism isn’t established. Some reports list increased thirst and hyperglycemia among metabolic effects, which could secondarily increase urination. Coexisting conditions like diabetes, urinary tract infections, benign prostatic enlargement, caffeine use, and diuretics can also contribute to frequency. ^{[2] [4] [5] [6]}

Interestingly, epidemiologic work has suggested statins may be associated with a reduced risk of benign prostatic enlargement and LUTS over time in men, indicating statin effects on the urinary tract may be complex and not uniformly harmful. ^{[14] [15] [16] [17]}

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Practical guidance

• If you notice new or worsening urinary frequency after starting atorvastatin, it could be related, although this side effect seems uncommon. Consider tracking timing, dose changes, fluid intake, caffeine, and nighttime patterns. ^{[2] [3]}

• Seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes like urinary tract infection, diabetes/glucose changes, or prostate issues, especially if symptoms are persistent, painful, or accompanied by fever, burning, or blood in urine. ^{[8] [9]}

• Do not stop atorvastatin on your own; discuss options with your clinician, such as dose adjustment, checking glucose, urinalysis, or trialing a different statin if the symptom clearly correlates with the medication. ^{[8] [3]}

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At-a-glance summary table

Topic	What the data show
Can atorvastatin cause frequent urination?	Yes, urinary frequency/increased urination has been reported, mainly as an uncommon adverse effect. [1] [2]
How common?	Generally uncommon (often <1–2% in certain trial summaries for combination products); modest signal in post‑marketing databases. [2] [3]
Strength of evidence	Post‑marketing signals and listings in monographs; not a consistently prominent side effect in standalone atorvastatin labels. [8] [3]
Mechanism	Not well defined; may relate to metabolic effects (thirst/hyperglycemia) or individual susceptibility. [2]
What to do	Monitor symptoms, evaluate for other causes, and discuss with a clinician rather than stopping abruptly. [8]

Would you like help reviewing your current medications and health conditions to see what else might be contributing to urinary frequency?