Drug interactions
Amlodipine-atorvastatin + Clarithromycin
Severity: Major
Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Clarithromycin: 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
Clarithromycin strongly inhibits CYP3A4, raising amlodipine and atorvastatin concentrations. This increases the risk of hypotension, edema and acute kidney injury, and of statin-related myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Clarithromycin 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.
Amlodipine-atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 (and P-glycoprotein), reducing metabolism of amlodipine and atorvastatin.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible by using a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin, or suspend atorvastatin during the course. If used, limit the atorvastatin dose and monitor blood pressure and muscle symptoms.
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 Amlodipine-atorvastatin
Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amlodipine-atorvastatin with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Clarithromycin 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. Clarithromycin strongly inhibits CYP3A4, raising amlodipine and atorvastatin concentrations. This increases the risk of hypotension, edema and acute kidney injury, and of statin-related myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible by using a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin, or suspend atorvastatin during the course. If used, limit the atorvastatin dose and monitor blood pressure and muscle symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Amlodipine-atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amlodipine-atorvastatin with, for example, Amifostine, Apalutamide, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Amlodipine-atorvastatin page.
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