Drug interactions
Cholic acid + Lovastatin
Severity: Moderate
Cholic acid and Lovastatin: 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
Lovastatin may inhibit bile salt export and lead to accumulation of bile salts in the liver when given with cholic acid, risking liver injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholic acid and Lovastatin 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.
Cholic acid belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of the bile salt export pump (BSEP) reduces biliary elimination of bile acids.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If needed, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin.
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 Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cholic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholic acid with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholic acid and Lovastatin 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. Lovastatin may inhibit bile salt export and lead to accumulation of bile salts in the liver when given with cholic acid, risking liver injury.
How serious is the interaction between Cholic acid and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible. If needed, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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