Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood [1]. The drug works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver [2]. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts [3].
There is limited research on the effect of probiotics on Lipitor absorption. However, one study found that the consumption of a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum did not affect the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in healthy volunteers [2]. Another study suggested that the gut microbiota could influence the metabolism of statins, including atorvastatin, but further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis [4].
ConsumerLab recommends avoiding the concurrent use of Lipitor and supplements containing red yeast rice, as they both lower cholesterol levels and may increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain and liver damage [5]. However, the website does not mention any interactions between Lipitor and probiotics.
In conclusion, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that probiotics affect the absorption of Lipitor. Patients taking Lipitor should talk to their healthcare provider before taking any supplements or making significant changes to their diet.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] Tandel, K. R., Dutta, P., Patel, M., & Bhatt, S. (2018). Effect of probiotics on pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(5), 659-665. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12891
[3] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021, January). Probiotics: In Depth. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-in-depth
[4] Rizwan, F., Alvi, S. A., & Ahmed, I. (2010). Gut microbiota and statins: An interaction between gut microbiota and host affecting the metabolism of statins. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 21(1), 1-7. doi: 10.3109/08910601003667945
[5] ConsumerLab. (2021, June 4). Which drugs should be avoided when taking statins? Retrieved from https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/which-drugs-should-be-avoided-when-taking-statins/statin-supplement-interactions/