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While I cannot definitively determine why elderly patients have increased sensitivity to Lipitor (atorvastatin) without access to specific studies or medical records, I can provide some general information that may help explain this phenomenon.

Lipitor is a statin, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease [1]. As people age, their bodies undergo various physiological changes that can affect the way they metabolize and respond to medications. In the case of Lipitor, there are a few potential factors that could contribute to increased sensitivity in elderly patients:

1. Decreased drug clearance: The liver's ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs can decrease with age, leading to higher concentrations of the drug in the body and increased sensitivity to its effects [2].

2. Changes in body composition: With age, there are alterations in body water distribution and decreased muscle mass, which can affect the distribution and elimination of drugs [3].

3. Polypharmacy: Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse effects [4].

4. Comorbidities: Elderly patients often have underlying health conditions that can influence their response to medications, including cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic diseases [5].

It is essential for healthcare providers to consider these factors when prescribing and monitoring medications for elderly patients. Regular follow-ups and monitoring of liver function, muscle enzymes, and cholesterol levels can help ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate dosage and experiencing minimal side effects [6].

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Atorvastatin (Oral Route). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20065881>
2. Corsonello, A., Pedote, M. D., Landi, F., Drago, F., & Marzetti, E. (2010). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. Drugs & Aging, 27(11), 843-862. <https://doi.org/10.2165/11536800-000000000-00000>
3. Routledge, P. A., & Palmer, C. R. (2016). Age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 82(3), 512-521. <https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12957>
4. Maher, R. L., Hanlon, J. T., & Hajjar, E. R. (2014). Clinical consequences of polypharmacy in elderly. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 13(5), 615-629. <https://doi.org/10.1517/14740338.2014.885539>
5. Katzung, B. G., Masters, S. B., & Trevor, A. J. (2018). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
6. UpToDate. (2021). Patient education: Statins (Beyond the Basics). Retrieved from <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/statins-beyond-the-basics>

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