Can Atorvastatin Be Broken Down And Swallowed?

Posted on Sat, 21 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 Answered on

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor,
I am having serious problems with my esophagus and throat. I have chronic cardiovascular issues and one medication I take is 'Atorvastatin' 80 mg. I can not swallow this large, hard pill. Is it OK to smash it down so that I can take it? It's the only way I know of to get it down.
Respectfully, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, can be smashed. Endoscopy has to be done

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I am Dr.Barani and I am pleased to assist you.

Yes, you can smash the pill and take it.

But morning important is to know why you are not able to swallow.
We should know whether something is obstructing or narrowing the food pipe preventing you to swallow even a pill.

An upper GI endoscopy has to be done to know the cause.
Discuss with your gastroenterologist for this test.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D