Compare Niaspan vs. Atorvastatin

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

Prescription only

Prescription only

Lowers cholesterol.

Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 380 reviewsforNiaspan

Lowers cholesterol.

Lipitor (atorvastatin) improves your cholesterol levels and is a common first treatment for people with high cholesterol or heart disease.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1377 reviewsforAtorvastatin

Upsides

Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).

Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats), and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking.
It's one of the strongest cholesterol-lowering statin medications.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a good option for people who have high cholesterol and diabetes.
It's available as a generic drug and can be used in combination with other cholesterol lowering drugs.

Downsides

By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.

Statins such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) can cause digestive problems, blood sugar problems, muscle aches and stiffness, muscle injury, kidney damage, or liver damage. Some people need to stop taking this medicine if these problems occur.
You're at higher risk for these side effects if you are a female, are 65 years or older, or drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day, take more than one medicine for cholesterol, or have liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can raise your risk of liver damage while taking Lipitor (atorvastatin).

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