According to the prescribing information for Lipitor (atorvastatin), its absorption is improved when taken without food [1]. However, in a study of 30 healthy volunteers, the co-administration of Lipitor with a high-fat meal, resulted in a slight decrease in the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to when taken on an empty stomach [2].
A post-hoc analysis of data from the 4S study (a major clinical efficacy trial for atorvastatin) found that taking Lipitor at bedtime increased the likelihood of sustained LDL-C reductions [3].
The information on Food/Fasting Status for atorvastatin is available on DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
Sources:
1. www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2002/021364s002Lipitorlbl.pdf)
2. http://journals.lww.com/jop/pdfviewer/00000115-1997-10000-00006.pdf
3. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/98/19 suppl 2/II-3.full.pdf
4. www.drugpatentwatch.com