Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Lovastatin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amiodarone raises lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Lovastatin labeling limits its dose when used with amiodarone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated lovastatin metabolism by amiodarone.
What to do
Limit lovastatin to no more than 40 mg daily, or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Counsel patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Amiodarone raises lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Lovastatin labeling limits its dose when used with amiodarone.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit lovastatin to no more than 40 mg daily, or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Counsel patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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