When taking Lipitor (atorvastatin), it's recommended to take the medication with a low-fat meal or on an empty stomach. According to the drug label, Lipitor [1] can be taken without regard to meals, but taking it with a low-fat meal may help to decrease gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and abdominal pain.

However, some studies suggest that taking atorvastatin with a high-fat meal, such as a fatty snack or a meal rich in dairy products like yogurt [2], may actually increase the absorption of the medication. One study found that taking atorvastatin with a yogurt-based breakfast increased the peak concentrations of atorvastatin in the bloodstream compared to taking it on an empty stomach [3].

It's worth noting that the FDA-approved labeling for atorvastatin recommends taking the medication once daily in the evening, with or without food [1]. However, it may be best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice on taking your medication, especially if you have gastrointestinal side effects or other concerns.

Sources:

[1] Lipitor (atorvastatin) label (Pfizer, 2022) - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approval-process/fda-approved-labeling-atorvastatin

[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents?search=atorvastatin

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3241513/