Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Phenytoin: 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
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4 and can reduce atorvastatin concentrations, weakening lipid lowering. Atorvastatin has also been reported to alter phenytoin levels slightly in some cases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Phenytoin 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; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolism of atorvastatin.
What to do
Monitor the lipid profile and titrate atorvastatin upward if LDL targets are not met. Consider checking phenytoin levels when atorvastatin is started or changed.
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 Phenytoin
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Bictegravir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Phenytoin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Phenytoin 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. Phenytoin induces CYP3A4 and can reduce atorvastatin concentrations, weakening lipid lowering. Atorvastatin has also been reported to alter phenytoin levels slightly in some cases.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Phenytoin?
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 the lipid profile and titrate atorvastatin upward if LDL targets are not met. Consider checking phenytoin levels when atorvastatin is started or changed.
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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