Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Niacin
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Niacin: 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
Lipid-modifying doses of niacin may add to the myopathy risk of atorvastatin. Cases of muscle toxicity have been reported, though the overall risk is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Niacin 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; Niacin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive myotoxicity; niacin may also have a minor pharmacokinetic effect.
What to do
Counsel patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK when symptomatic. Use the lowest effective doses.
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 + Cyclosporine Major
Other interactions of Niacin
- Alogliptin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Niacin Moderate
- Colestipol + Niacin Moderate
- Dapagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Empagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Niacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Niacin 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. Lipid-modifying doses of niacin may add to the myopathy risk of atorvastatin. Cases of muscle toxicity have been reported, though the overall risk is low.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Niacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK when symptomatic. Use the lowest effective doses.
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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