What Is The Best Time To Take Statins? Types And Effects

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeExplore more in High Cholesterol

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors
Causes & Risk Factors
Related Articles
- Causes Overview
- Sudden Increase Causes
- Mixed Hyperlipidemia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Weight
- Genetics
- Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Complications
Complications
Related Articles
- Complications Overview
- Cholesterolosis of the Gallbladder
- Liver Function
- Chest Pain
- Hyperlipoproteinemia
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Related Articles
- Diagnosis Overview
- How to Calculate Cholesterol Ratios
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
- What to Eat the Night Before Test
- At-Home Test Kits
- Serum Cholesterol
- Non-Fasting Triglyceride Tests
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Cholesterol Ratio
- Small Dense LDL
- Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels
- Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- How to Check Cholesterol at Home
- Oxidized Cholesterol
- Cholesterol Artery Test
- What to Expect During Testing
Diet
Diet
Related Articles
- Diet Overview
- Drinks
- Meal Plan for Lowering Triglycerides
- Foods to Eat
- Nuts
- Coffee
- Peanuts
- How Many Eggs is Too Many?
- Rice
- Shrimp
- Carnivore Diet
- Meats and Meat Alternatives
- High-Cholesterol Foods
- Vegan Diet
- Cheese
- Low-Cholesterol Lunches
- Fish
- Low-Cholesterol Snacks
- Fiber
- Alcohol
- Diet Plan
- Saturated Fat
- Low-Fat Diet Plan
- Low-Cholesterol Breakfasts
- Recipe Ideas
Home Remedies
Home Remedies
Related Articles
- Home Remedies Overview
- Fish Oil
- Supplements
- Vitamin D
- Turmeric
- Vitamins
- Plant Sterols
Management
Management
Related Articles
- Management Overview
- Exercise
- How Long Does it Take to Lower Cholesterol?
- How to Lower Triglycerides
- Can You Still Be Healthy?
- Weight Loss
Prevention
Prevention
Related Articles
- Prevention Overview
- What Are Non-HDL Levels?
- How to Lower Non-HDL Cholesterol
- Increasing Good Cholesterol
- Maintaining HDL Levels
Statins
Statins
Related Articles
- Statins Overview
- Coming Off Statins
- Lipitor
- Rosuvastatin
- When to Take Statins
- Safest Statins
- Statin Alternatives
- Uses and Risks
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain
- With CoQ10
- Vs. Fish Oil
- Pravastatin
- Zocor
Symptoms
Symptoms
Related Articles
- Symptoms Overview
- On the Face
- Dizziness
- Effects on the Body
Treatment
Treatment
Related Articles
- Treatment Overview
- Atorvastatin
- Repatha
- Zetia
- Common Medication Side Effects
- When is Medication Necessary?
- Nexletol
- Vascepa
- Praluent Injection
- Welchol
- Nexlizet
- Medications
- Fibrates
- PCSK9 Inhibitors
- High Cholesterol Specialists
Related Conditions
Related Conditions
Related Articles
- With Zero Calcium Score
- Dyslipidemia
- High Triglycerides and Low HDL
- With Low Blood Pressure
- Lipid Disorders
- With Erectile Dysfunction
- Thyroid Issues
- With Anorexia
- With Diabetes
- With Sleep Apnea
- Hypercholesterolemia vs. Hyperlipidemia

What is the best time to take statins and why?

Medically reviewed by Kristin Shaffer, PA-C — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on April 10, 2025

Best times to take
What statins do
Which statin is right for me?
Side effects
Staying healthy
Summary

Statins, such as lovastatin and atorvastatin, are cholesterol-lowering drugs. Some statins work best in the evening, while others work just as well in the morning. The best time to take statins depends on the specific medication.

Statins are a type of prescription medication that can lower a person’s risk of heart disease. They do this primarily by reducing a person’s low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. People sometimes refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad” cholesterol.

Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Doctors consider HDL cholesterol to be beneficial because it can transport other forms of cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which helps the body get rid of LDL cholesterol.

There are several different types of statin on the market, which the body may process differently. People may need to take some statins at specific times of the day to get the most benefit from them.

In this article, we look at the effects of statins at different times of the day and discuss the best times to take certain types. We also cover side effects and how a person can choose the right statin to suit their needs.

The best time to take different statins

A clock hanging on a red wall 1 — WraithHao/Getty Images

It is important that a person taking statins follows the advice of their prescribing doctor regarding the time of day to take them. The recommended time, which a person should discuss with their doctor, will vary depending on the type of statin.

Short-acting statins

An older 2017 systematic review found that short-acting statins worked best when people took them in the evening. The people who took these statins toward the end of the day had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared with the people who took them in the morning. Another 2018 review came to the same conclusion.

Short-acting statins work better at night because the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol is more active at this time. Most short-acting statins have a half-life of 6 hours. A medication’s half-life is the time that it takes for the body to process and remove half of the medication.

Short-acting statins include:

lovastatin (Mevacor)
fluvastatin (the standard-release tablet)
pravastatin (Pravachol)
simvastatin (Zocor)

Long-acting statins

It takes longer for the body to process long-acting statins, which may have a half-life of up to 19 hours.

The two reviews above noted that long-acting statins worked equally well whether a person took them in the morning or the evening. Therefore, people taking long-acting statins can choose which time of the day best suits them.

The authors recommend that people using long-acting statins take them at a time of day that is easy for them to remember. It is important to be consistent with the timing of doses, so if a person prefers to take statins in the morning, they should take them in the morning every day.

Long-acting statins include:

atorvastatin (Lipitor)
fluvastatin (the extended-release tablet)
rosuvastatin (Crestor)

People who are taking statins may need to take them indefinitely. In many cases, when a person stops taking statins, their cholesterol levels increase again. People should not stop taking statins without a doctor’s approval.

Some people might be able to stop taking statins or reduce their dosage if they significantly lower their risk of heart disease. A person may do this by maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, or making other major lifestyle changes that improve their health. However, a person should always talk with a doctor before they stop taking statins or any other medications.

What do statins do?

Doctors also refer to statins as lipid-lowering medications or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.

LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries and form plaque. This plaque can block blood flow in the arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke.

Statins block an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol, reducing the risk of plaque buildup. They may also help the body remove cholesterol that has started to accumulate in the arteries.

Which statin is right for me?

Statins come in a range of types and dosages. A person can discuss with their doctor which type of statin may work best for them. The doctor’s recommendation will depend on many factors, including the person’s:

current cholesterol levels
other risk factors for heart disease
other medical conditions, such as diabetes
family history of heart disease
other medications

If a person has an increased risk of heart disease, their doctor may prescribe a higher dosage or a long-acting statin. Conversely, a person with less risk of heart disease may start on a lower dosage or a short-acting statin.

Side effects of statins

Statins do not cause severe side effects for most people. According to the American College of Cardiology, as many as 90% of people taking statins do not experience bothersome side effects. For those who do experience side effects, these may include:

constipation or diarrhea
nausea
headaches
dizziness
fatigue

There is also a risk of new-onset diabetes, especially in people with other risk factors for diabetes.

Some reports have warned that statins can cause severe memory loss, but evidence is conflicting. A 2018 review found that while statins may cause temporary memory impairment, they may also have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline. Further research into this topic is necessary.

In rare cases, a person taking statins may have severe side effects, such as liver damage, rhabdomyolysis, or an allergic reaction. The following side effects require immediate medical attention:

fever
muscle aches, weakness, or cramps
upper abdominal pain
jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
dark urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
extreme fatigue
rash, hives, or itching
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, eyes, or throat
difficulty speaking

How to stay healthy when taking statins

Statins can interact with some medications. People who take statins will need to make their doctor aware of any medications, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements that they take to help prevent dangerous interactions.

Statins may also interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Therefore, it is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking statins unless a doctor says it is safe.

People who have a higher risk of heart disease can work with a doctor or nutritionist to modify their diet. In many cases, a medical professional will likely advise the person to eat a diet low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugar, and rich in fruits and vegetables. They may also recommend limiting alcohol intake.

In addition, a person may need to increase their weekly exercise and work toward maintaining a moderate weight. This can further lower their risk of heart disease.

Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. A doctor may advise a person on where to find resources about quitting if they do smoke.

Whether or not they are taking statins, people can help keep their cholesterol at a healthy level by maintaining a moderate weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Summary

Short-acting statins are most effective when a person takes them at night, but a person can take long-acting statins at any time of the day. The most important point to remember is to take them every day, ideally at the same time.

Doctors have been prescribing statins for more than 30 years, and these medications are generally safe and effective with a low risk of severe side effects.

As with any medication, a person should take it according to their prescription. They should also contact a doctor if they notice any side effects.

Cholesterol
Hypertension
Statins
Cardiovascular / Cardiology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Awad K, et al. (2018). The optimal time of day for statin administration: A review of current evidence [Abstract].https://journals.lww.com/co-lipidology/Abstract/2018/08000/The_optimal_time_of_day_for_statin_administration_.11.aspx
Awad K, et al. (2017). Effects of morning vs evening statin administration on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1933287417303434
Hla D, et al. (2018). Assessing severity of statin side effects: Fact versus fiction.https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2018/04/09/13/25/assessing-severity-of-statin-side-effects
How to prevent heart disease. (2024).https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html
Schultz BG, et al. (2018). The role of statins in both cognitive impairment and protection against dementia: a tale of two mechanisms.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5830056/
Sizar O, et al. (2024). Statin medications.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430940/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Kristin Shaffer, PA-C — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on April 10, 2025

Latest news

High fat, high sugar diet may leave lasting changes on brain, eating later in life
Being at high altitudes could help blood sugar control: Here's why
Eating high amounts of red meat may raise diabetes risk by as much as 49%
5 facts and myths about protein, unpicked by experts
Expert birders have younger brains: How expertise may protect brain health

Popular in: Statins

What is the best time to take statins and why?
What are the side effects of Lipitor? An overview
Everything you need to know about coming off statins
What is Lipitor?

Related Coverage

Should you fast before a cholesterol test?Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N.
Fasting before taking a cholesterol test used to be standard practice. Now, some doctors recommend that people do not fast before taking the test…
READ MORE
Uses and side effects of statins
Statins are drugs that can reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. Learn about the types, their uses, and the risks of taking statins here.
READ MORE
Cholesterol: What is a healthy level?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
In this article, learn about the different kinds of cholesterol, what different factors affect cholesterol levels, and when to contact a doctor.
READ MORE
Repatha Reddit Questions: Insurance coverage, weight loss, and more
Learn about Repatha and insurance, coverage, weight loss, and more.
READ MORE
Can statins really cause memory loss and weight gain? New evidence says 'no'
A landmark review of numerous clinical trials shows that statins do not cause the majority of the side effects that have been associated with them to…
READ MORE

Tag » Why Take Lipitor At Night

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors

Related Articles

Complications

Related Articles

Diagnosis

Related Articles

Diet

Related Articles

Home Remedies

Related Articles

Management

Related Articles

Prevention

Related Articles

Statins

Related Articles

Symptoms

Related Articles

Treatment

Related Articles

Related Conditions

Related Articles

The best time to take different statins

Short-acting statins

Long-acting statins

What do statins do?

Which statin is right for me?

Side effects of statins

How to stay healthy when taking statins

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Popular in: Statins

Related Coverage

Contact