Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Cholic acid
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Cholic acid: 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
Atorvastatin may inhibit the bile salt export pump, which could promote accumulation of bile salts in hepatocytes when cholic acid is given. This may contribute to liver injury in patients with bile acid synthesis disorders.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Cholic acid 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; Cholic acid belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of BSEP-mediated bile salt efflux, raising intrahepatic bile salt levels.
What to do
Monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin regularly, and stop one agent if liver injury develops.
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 Cholic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Cholic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Cholic acid 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 may inhibit the bile salt export pump, which could promote accumulation of bile salts in hepatocytes when cholic acid is given. This may contribute to liver injury in patients with bile acid synthesis disorders.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Cholic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin regularly, and stop one agent if liver injury develops.
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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