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Lipitor, a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, does not act as an antibiotic against plaque because it is not designed to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. Lipitor is a statin, a type of drug that lowers cholesterol levels in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol in the body [1]. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is a key step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway [1].

Plaque, on the other hand, is formed by the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis [2]. While Lipitor can help to slow the progression of atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol levels, it does not have any direct effect on the bacteria that may be present in plaque [1].

Antibiotics, in contrast, are drugs that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms [3]. They work by killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth, which allows the body's immune system to fight off the infection [3].

In summary, Lipitor does not act as an antibiotic against plaque because it is not designed to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. It is a statin that lowers cholesterol levels in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol in the body. Plaque is formed by the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries, and antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

Sources:

1. "Lipitor-atorvastatin Calcium Tablet." Drugs.com, <https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html>.
2. "Plaque Buildup: What Causes It and How to Stop It." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Jan. 2022, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/plaque-buildup/art-20049348>.
3. "What Are Antibiotics?" National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 Jan. 2022, <https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/antibiotics>.