Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, thereby reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver [1].
Lipitor's effect on lipid metabolism is primarily through its ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol [2]. This is achieved by inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonate, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol [1].
Additionally, Lipitor has been shown to have other beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, such as reducing triglycerides and increasing the size and stability of LDL particles [3]. These effects can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
It is worth noting that Lipitor's patent has expired in 2011, and it is now available as a generic drug [4].
In summary, Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, thereby reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. It primarily reduces LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol, and has other beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.
Sources:
1. [Lipitor (atorvastatin) Drug Information](https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html)
2. [Atorvastatin: A Review of Its Use in the Management of Dyslipidaemias and Cardiovascular Disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3610333/)
3. [Effects of atorvastatin on lipid profile and apolipoprotein A-I and B: a systematic review and meta-analysis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5832315/)
4. [Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablets](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020712s053lbl.pdf)
5. [Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, USP](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/021341s018lbl.pdf)
6. [Atorvastatin (marketed as Lipitor) - DrugPatentWatch](https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin)