Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Carbamazepine
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Carbamazepine: moderate 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
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can lower atorvastatin concentrations. This may lead to reduced lipid-lowering efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Carbamazepine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 increases atorvastatin clearance.
What to do
Check lipid levels after starting or stopping carbamazepine and titrate atorvastatin accordingly. Consider rosuvastatin or pravastatin as alternatives.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Carbamazepine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can lower atorvastatin concentrations. This may lead to reduced lipid-lowering efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lipid levels after starting or stopping carbamazepine and titrate atorvastatin accordingly. Consider rosuvastatin or pravastatin as alternatives.
What other medicines interact with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atorvastatin with, for example, Tipranavir, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Atorvastatin page.
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