Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Fosphenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Fosphenytoin: 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
Fosphenytoin is converted to phenytoin, an inducer of CYP3A4, which can lower atorvastatin concentrations and weaken cholesterol lowering.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Fosphenytoin 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; Fosphenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, accelerating atorvastatin metabolism.
What to do
Monitor LDL cholesterol and increase the atorvastatin dose if needed; reassess after phenytoin is stopped.
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 Fosphenytoin
- Dronedarone + Fosphenytoin Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lorlatinib Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lurasidone Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Fosphenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Fosphenytoin 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. Fosphenytoin is converted to phenytoin, an inducer of CYP3A4, which can lower atorvastatin concentrations and weaken cholesterol lowering.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Fosphenytoin?
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 LDL cholesterol and increase the atorvastatin dose if needed; reassess after phenytoin is stopped.
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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