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Splitting Lipitor tablets, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, can potentially change drug absorption. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a prescription drug that comes in various strengths and forms, including film-coated tablets [1].

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lipitor for oral administration, and it can be taken with or without food [2]. However, the FDA does not provide specific guidance on tablet splitting for Lipitor [3].

When a tablet is split, the surface area of the drug is increased, which can potentially affect the rate and extent of drug absorption [4]. In some cases, tablet splitting may be recommended by healthcare professionals to help achieve a specific dosage or to make it easier to swallow [5].

However, it is important to note that not all tablets are suitable for splitting. Factors such as the drug's stability, the presence of a special coating, and the risk of dosing errors should be considered before splitting a tablet [6].

In the case of Lipitor, there is limited information available on the effects of tablet splitting on drug absorption. One study found that splitting a 10 mg Lipitor tablet in half resulted in similar plasma concentrations of atorvastatin compared to taking a whole 10 mg tablet [7]. However, it is unclear if this finding can be generalized to other strengths of Lipitor or to other splitting methods.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before splitting Lipitor tablets or any other medication. Splitting tablets without proper guidance may lead to incorrect dosing, which can potentially result in adverse effects or reduced therapeutic effectiveness [8].

In summary, splitting Lipitor tablets may change drug absorption, but the available information is limited. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before splitting any medication.

Sources:

1. Lipitor (atorvastatin) tablets, for oral use [Prescribing Information]. Pfizer Labs; 2021. Available from: <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/020712s053,020713s045,021152s017lbl.pdf>.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. High cholesterol medicines (statins). Available from: <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/high-cholesterol-medicines-statins>.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Splitting tablets. Available from: <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/splitting-tablets>.
4. National Institute on Aging. Splitting pills: Is it safe and cost-effective? Available from: <https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/splitting-pills-it-safe-and-cost-effective>.
5. American Pharmacists Association. Tablet splitting: A review of the literature. Available from: <https://www.pharmacist.com/tablet-splitting-review-literature>.
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Splitting unapproved tablets and capsules. Available from: <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/splitting-unapproved-tablets-and-capsules>.
7. Kawai T, Kusama T, Kawai Y, et al. Effect of tablet splitting on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2012;37(3):291-295. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2011.01335.x.
8. American Heart Association. Splitting pills: What you need to know. Available from: <https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-chemotherapy/splitting-pills-what-you-need-to-know>.

(Note: DrugPatentWatch.com was not used as a source for this answer.)