Drug interactions
Amlodipine-atorvastatin + Simvastatin
Severity: Major
Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Simvastatin: 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
This combination duplicates statin therapy, as atorvastatin and simvastatin are both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Using two statins increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with no added benefit. Amlodipine also modestly raises simvastatin exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Simvastatin 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; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Therapeutic duplication with additive statin toxicity, plus weak CYP3A4 inhibition by amlodipine raising simvastatin levels.
What to do
Do not combine two statins; use one statin only. If simvastatin is used with amlodipine, limit simvastatin to 20 mg daily.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amlodipine-atorvastatin with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Simvastatin 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. This combination duplicates statin therapy, as atorvastatin and simvastatin are both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Using two statins increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with no added benefit. Amlodipine also modestly raises simvastatin exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Amlodipine-atorvastatin and Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine two statins; use one statin only. If simvastatin is used with amlodipine, limit simvastatin to 20 mg daily.
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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