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.

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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.

Doctors also refer toTrusted Source 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.

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 onTrusted Source 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.

Statins do not causeTrusted Source 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:

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

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 interactTrusted Source 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.

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.