Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin calcium, which is absorbed in the small intestine. The absorption of atorvastatin calcium can be affected by the type of meal consumed with the medication [2].

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that taking atorvastatin calcium with a high-fat meal resulted in a 32% decrease in the maximum concentration of the medication in the bloodstream compared to taking it on an empty stomach. However, the total amount of the medication absorbed remained the same [2].

Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that taking atorvastatin calcium with grapefruit juice increased the absorption of the medication by 83%. This is because grapefruit juice contains compounds that inhibit an enzyme in the small intestine responsible for breaking down atorvastatin calcium. This can lead to an increase in the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of side effects [3].

The FDA warns that grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, including Lipitor, and recommends avoiding grapefruit juice or discussing its consumption with a healthcare provider before taking any medication [1].

In summary, taking Lipitor with a high-fat meal can decrease the maximum concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, while taking it with grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of the medication and potentially increase the risk of side effects. It is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare provider and to discuss any concerns about the consumption of food or beverages with medication [2][3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8568017/
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR