Lipitor is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. It contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, which works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver [1]. The question is whether splitting Lipitor tablets affects its effectiveness.
According to the first source, Drug Patent Watch, Lipitor is available in tablet form with strengths ranging from 10 mg to 80 mg. It does not mention anything about the safety or effectiveness of splitting Lipitor tablets.
The second source, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, investigated the effect of splitting atorvastatin tablets on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug. The study found that splitting atorvastatin tablets did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of the drug [2]. However, the study was conducted on healthy volunteers and not on patients with high cholesterol levels, so the results may not be applicable to all patients.
The third source, a pharmaceutical issues and dosage forms toolkit by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, provides general information on splitting tablets. It states that splitting tablets can affect the accuracy of the dose and may result in uneven distribution of the active ingredient, leading to reduced effectiveness or increased side effects. However, it also mentions that some tablets, including scored tablets like Lipitor, are designed to be split and can be split safely and effectively [3].
In conclusion, while the available sources do not provide a definitive answer to whether splitting Lipitor tablets affects its effectiveness, the available evidence suggests that splitting atorvastatin tablets does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of the drug. However, patients should consult with their healthcare provider before splitting Lipitor tablets to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for their individual needs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11847935/
[3] https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Support/toolkit/pharmaceuticalissuesdosageforms-%282%29.pdf