Compare Lipitor vs Niacin

Compare Lipitor

vs Niacin

Compare Lipitor to Niacin. To make a decision about Lipitor vs Niacin, click here for a Medication Risk Map to help you select Lipitor or Niacin

Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Lipitor.
Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Niacin.
Click here to see the effects of combining Lipitor and Niacin.

Uses of Lipitor

Lipitor is also known by the generic name Atorvastatin

USES:
Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

Uses of Niacin

USES:
Niacin is used in addition to a proper diet and exercise to help control levels of fats in the blood. It can help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (e.g., LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). In general, this drug is used after your blood fat levels have not been fully controlled by other treatment (e.g., diet changes, exercise, decreasing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, weight loss if overweight, and controlling blood sugar if diabetic). It may be used with or without other medications.

Lowering "bad" cholesterol/triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol may help decrease the risk for strokes and heart attacks. Lowering fats may also help reduce the risk of pancreas problems (pancreatitis) in people at risk. Niacin is also known as vitamin B-3 (nicotinic acid), one of the B-complex vitamins.

Lipitor and Niacin Have 4 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects in Common

Critical Seriousness - Trouble Breathing - Dyspnea is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lipitor and Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Liver Function Tests - Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lipitor and Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Life Threatening Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lipitor and Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Disease - Myopathy is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lipitor and Niacin.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Lipitor Has 42 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Niacin

Critical Seriousness - Anemia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage from the Gums - Gingival Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Large Intestine - Colitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Bloody Urine - Hematuria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Leg Cramps - Cramps in Legs is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Enlarged Breasts in Males - Gynecomastia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Contact Dermatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Erythema Multiforme is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Decreased Blood Platelets - Thrombocytopenic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Heart Rhythm - Conduction Disorder of the Heart is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Bladder - Cystitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Cystic Disease of the Breast - Fibrocystic Breast Disease is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Pain - Myalgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands - Peripheral Edema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Gout is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing - Orthostatic Hypotension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin - Ecchymosis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Esophagus - Esophagitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Liver Failure - Hepatic Failure is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Increased Pressure in Eyes - Glaucoma is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Joint Pain - Arthralgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Numbness, Tingling or Pain of Hands or Feet - Peripheral Neuropathy is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Eye Hemorrhage - Ocular Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Kidney Stone is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Rupture of a Tendon - Tendon Rupture is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Elevation of Proteins in the Urine - Proteinuria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Pancreatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Low Blood Sugar - Hypoglycemic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone - Hypertonia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Chest Pain is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Reaction due to an Allergy - Allergic Reactions is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines - Gastroenteritis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Angina is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Stomach or Intestinal Ulcer - Gastrointestinal Ulcer is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Blood coming from Anus - Rectal Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Urinary Tract Infection - Urinary Tract Infections is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Epididymitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Stiff Neck - Neck Stiffness is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure - Rhabdomyolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Niacin Has 8 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Lipitor

Critical Seriousness - A Spasm of the Larynx - Laryngismus is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Giant Hives - Angioedema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Numbness and Tingling - Paresthesia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems - Jaundice is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Hives - Urticaria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis caused by Drugs - Drug-Induced Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Visible Water Retention - Edema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Critical Seriousness - Blockage of Normal Bile Flow - Cholestasis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Lipitor and Niacin Have 1 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects in Common

Indigestion - Dyspepsia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lipitor and Niacin. Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Lipitor Has 3 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Niacin

Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements - Constipation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Gas - Flatulence is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Stomach Cramps - Abdominal Pain with Cramps is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lipitor but not Niacin.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Niacin Has 17 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Niacin

Itching - Pruritus of Skin is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Dizzy - Dizziness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Feel Like Throwing Up - Nausea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm - Conduction Disorder of the Heart is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Muscle Pain - Myalgia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Feeling Faint - Fainting is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Throwing Up - Vomiting is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

High Amount of Uric Acid in the Blood - Hyperuricemia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

High Blood Sugar - Hyperglycemia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Dry Skin is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Diarrhea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Dry Eye is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Inflammation of the Nose - Rhinitis is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Worsening of Peptic Ulcer - Exacerbation of Peptic Ulcer is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Temporary Redness of Face and Neck - Flushing is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Cough is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Niacin but not Lipitor.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lipitor and Niacin.

Lipitor and Niacin Treat 10 Conditions in Common

Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level - Mixed Hyperlipidemia is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

Heterozygous High Cholesterol - Heterozygous Hypercholesterolemia is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

Increased Triglycerides and Cholesterol - Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

High Cholesterol - Hypercholesterolemia is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood - Hypertriglyceridemia is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

Slow Progression of Disease of the Arteries of the Heart - Slow Progression of Coronary Artery Disease is treated by both Lipitor and Niacin.

Lipitor has 13 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Lipitor.

Lipitor Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriousness level)

Absolute Contraindications

Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests - Abnormal Liver Function Tests is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Hepatic Failure - Liver Failure is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Lactating Mother - A Mother who is Producing Milk and Breastfeeding is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Pregnancy is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Relative Contraindications

Alcoholism - Habit of Drinking Too Much Alcohol is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Hemorrhagic Stroke - Stroke caused by Bleeding in the Brain is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Myopathy with CK Elevation - Muscle Pain or Tenderness with Increase Creatine Kinase is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Rhabdomyolysis - Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Surgical Procedure - Recent Operation is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Trauma - Injury is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Contraindication Warnings

Renal Disease - Kidney Disease is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Untreated Hypothyroidism - Untreated Decreased Level of Thyroid Hormones is a contraindication of Lipitor.

Niacin has 15 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Niacin.

Niacin Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriouosness level)

Absolute Contraindications

Arterial Hemorrhage - Bleeding from an Artery is a contraindication of Niacin.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Niacin.

Peptic Ulcer - Ulcer from Stomach Acid is a contraindication of Niacin.

Relative Contraindications

Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests - Abnormal Liver Function Tests is a contraindication of Niacin.

Alcoholism - Habit of Drinking Too Much Alcohol is a contraindication of Niacin.

Blood Coagulation Disorder - Blood Clotting Disorder is a contraindication of Niacin.

Myocardial Infarction - Heart Attack is a contraindication of Niacin.

Unstable Angina Pectoris - Unpredictable Severe Constricting Chest Pain is a contraindication of Niacin.

Contraindication Warnings

Coronary Artery Disease - Disease of the Arteries of the Heart is a contraindication of Niacin.

Diabetes Mellitus - Diabetes is a contraindication of Niacin.

Gout is a contraindication of Niacin.

Hyperglycemia - High Blood Sugar is a contraindication of Niacin.

Hypophosphatemia - Low Amount of Phosphate in the Blood is a contraindication of Niacin.

Hypotension - Abnormally Low Blood Pressure is a contraindication of Niacin.

Severe Thrombocytopenia - Severely Decreased Platelets is a contraindication of Niacin.

Lipitor - Symptoms of overdose may include
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Niacin - Symptoms of overdose may include
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Contact poison control
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.