See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, thereby reducing the production of cholesterol in the body [1]. However, Lipitor's impact on protein and cholesterol absorption is not straightforward.
Lipitor does not directly affect protein absorption. Proteins are large molecules that are broken down into amino acids during digestion, and these amino acids are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Lipitor does not interfere with this process.
As for cholesterol absorption, Lipitor can have an impact, but it's more about reducing the production of cholesterol in the body rather than directly affecting absorption. Lipitor reduces the amount of cholesterol that the body produces by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, Lipitor reduces the overall amount of cholesterol in the body [2].
However, it's important to note that Lipitor can also increase the absorption of dietary cholesterol in some cases. This is because Lipitor increases the number of LDL receptors in the liver, which can lead to an increase in the uptake of both LDL (bad) cholesterol and dietary cholesterol [3].
In conclusion, while Lipitor does not directly affect protein absorption, it can have an impact on cholesterol absorption by reducing the production of cholesterol in the body and increasing the uptake of dietary cholesterol.
Sources:
[1] "Atorvastatin (Lipitor)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20063093.
[2] "Atorvastatin." DrugBank, www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00335.
[3] "Atorvastatin: A Selective and Reversible Inhibitor of HMG-CoA Reductase." Chemical & Engineering News, American Chemical Society, 18 Nov. 2002, cen.acs.org/articles/80/i47/Atorvastatin-Selective-Reversible-Inhibitor-HMG-CoA.html.