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See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) reaches peak plasma concentrations about 1 to 2 hours after oral administration in fasted adults, marking the point of maximum absorption.[1][2] Absorption is rapid, with bioavailability around 14% due to extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, but the drug is fully absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract within this timeframe under normal conditions.[1] Food slightly delays absorption (peak shifts to 2-3 hours) but does not reduce overall extent.[2]
- Age and health status: Older patients or those with liver impairment may see slower absorption and lower peak levels.[1] - Formulation: Tablets are immediate-release; no extended-release version exists.[2] - Drug interactions: Grapefruit juice or certain antacids can delay or reduce absorption by inhibiting metabolism or altering stomach pH.[3]
| Statin | Time to Peak Absorption (fasted) | |--------|---------------------------------| | Lipitor (atorvastatin) | 1-2 hours [1] | | Crestor (rosuvastatin) | 3-5 hours [4] | | Zocor (simvastatin) | 1.3-2.4 hours [4] | | Pravachol (pravastatin) | 1-1.5 hours [4] | Lipitor absorbs faster than rosuvastatin but similar to simvastatin and pravastatin.[1][4]
Absorption is quick, but cholesterol reduction begins within 2 weeks of daily dosing, with full effects by 4 weeks. Steady-state plasma levels occur after 1-2 weeks.[1][2]
Lipitor's original patents expired in 2011 in the US, enabling generics. No active patents block immediate-release absorption formulations per DrugPatentWatch.com.[5] Sources [1] Lipitor Prescribing Information (FDA) [2] Pfizer Lipitor Product Characteristics (EMA) [3] Lexicomp: Atorvastatin Drug Interactions [4] StatPearls: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (NCBI) [5] DrugPatentWatch.com: Lipitor Patents
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