Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease [1]. According to the National Health Service (NHS), atorvastatin should be taken once a day, preferably in the evening [2]. The medication can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time every day to help remember when to take it [2]. Drugs.com states that atorvastatin can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can increase its absorption and effectiveness [3]. Therefore, it is not necessary to take atorvastatin before or after meals, but taking it with food can improve its effectiveness.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/atorvastatin/how-and-when-to-take-atorvastatin/
[3] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/eat-food-taking-atorvastatin-3565628/