According to the sources provided, there is no specific time to split Lipitor. Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The medication is typically taken once daily, with or without food, and should be swallowed whole [2].

However, if a patient has difficulty swallowing pills or needs to reduce their medication costs, they may consider splitting the pills. Pill splitting involves dividing a tablet in half or quarters to achieve a lower dose. Lipitor tablets are film-coated and can be split using a pill splitter or a sharp knife. It is important to note that not all medications can be split, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before attempting to split any medication [3].

Additionally, the first source provided, Drug Patent Watch, provides information on the expiration of Lipitor's patent. The patent expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of atorvastatin are available. Generic medications are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs and may be a cost-effective alternative for some patients [1].

In summary, there is no specific time to split Lipitor, as it is typically taken once daily and should be swallowed whole. However, if a patient needs to reduce their medication costs or has difficulty swallowing pills, they may consider splitting the tablets. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before attempting to split any medication. Additionally, generic versions of atorvastatin are available and may be a cost-effective alternative to the brand-name drug [1][2][3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067003
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access/medication-education/pill-splitting