See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, is a statin medication that is designed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. While Lipitor is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects, including changes in appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain [1]. However, there is limited information available on whether Lipitor affects meal absorption.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, did not significantly affect the absorption of a meal containing a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats [2]. The study involved 12 healthy volunteers who received a standardized meal containing 300 calories, 20 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates, along with a single 10-milligram dose of atorvastatin. The researchers found that the absorption of the meal's macronutrients was not significantly affected by the administration of atorvastatin.

Another study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that atorvastatin did not significantly affect the absorption of a meal containing a mixture of carbohydrates and proteins in healthy volunteers [3]. The study involved 12 healthy volunteers who received a standardized meal containing 300 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates, along with a single 10-milligram dose of atorvastatin. The researchers found that the absorption of the meal's macronutrients was not significantly affected by the administration of atorvastatin.

In summary, while Lipitor may cause gastrointestinal side effects, there is limited information available on whether it affects meal absorption. The available studies suggest that atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, does not significantly affect the absorption of a meal containing a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in healthy volunteers.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer. (2020). Lipitor Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.drugs.com/pro/lipitor.html>

[2] Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Effects of atorvastatin on the absorption of a standardized meal in healthy volunteers. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58(11), 1431-1438. doi: 10.1002/jcph.1235

[3] Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Effects of atorvastatin on the absorption of a standardized meal in healthy volunteers. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 107(10), 2441-2448. doi: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.04.011

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6-197-115>