Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Tacrolimus: 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
Tacrolimus is a P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 substrate, and atorvastatin may modestly raise its levels. Statin exposure may also rise in transplant recipients, increasing the risk of muscle toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Tacrolimus 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; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Possible weak P-glycoprotein inhibition by atorvastatin and altered statin hepatic handling in transplant patients.
What to do
Monitor tacrolimus trough levels after atorvastatin changes. Use a low atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms.
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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Tacrolimus 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. Tacrolimus is a P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 substrate, and atorvastatin may modestly raise its levels. Statin exposure may also rise in transplant recipients, increasing the risk of muscle toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Tacrolimus?
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 tacrolimus trough levels after atorvastatin changes. Use a low atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms.
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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