Drug interactions
Istradefylline + Lovastatin
Severity: Moderate
Istradefylline 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
At 40 mg/day istradefylline increases exposure to CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates, which may raise lovastatin levels. This increases the risk of statin-related myopathy, though no effect was seen at 20 mg/day.
What this interaction means in plain words
Istradefylline 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.
Istradefylline belongs to Central Nervous System; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Istradefylline inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing lovastatin exposure.
What to do
Consider reducing the lovastatin dose when istradefylline 40 mg/day is used 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 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 Istradefylline
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Istradefylline with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Istradefylline 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. At 40 mg/day istradefylline increases exposure to CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates, which may raise lovastatin levels. This increases the risk of statin-related myopathy, though no effect was seen at 20 mg/day.
How serious is the interaction between Istradefylline 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: Consider reducing the lovastatin dose when istradefylline 40 mg/day is used and monitor for muscle symptoms.
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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