Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Lovastatin
Severity: Contraindicated
Lopinavir and Lovastatin: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and increases lovastatin exposure. The resulting risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis makes the combination contraindicated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Lovastatin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated lovastatin metabolism by ritonavir-boosted lopinavir.
What to do
Do not use together; replace lovastatin with pravastatin or rosuvastatin, or a low-dose atorvastatin with monitoring. Review any muscle symptoms promptly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
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 Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lopinavir with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Lopinavir and Lovastatin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and increases lovastatin exposure. The resulting risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis makes the combination contraindicated.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together; replace lovastatin with pravastatin or rosuvastatin, or a low-dose atorvastatin with monitoring. Review any muscle symptoms promptly.
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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