Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Metronidazole
Severity: Minor
Lovastatin and Metronidazole: minor 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
Metronidazole is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and is unlikely to raise lovastatin levels meaningfully, though an increase in statin-related myopathy is theoretically possible. Clinically significant interactions are not well documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Possible weak CYP3A4 inhibition reducing lovastatin metabolism; the effect is not well established.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed for a short metronidazole course. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Ergotamine + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lovastatin with Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lovastatin and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metronidazole is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and is unlikely to raise lovastatin levels meaningfully, though an increase in statin-related myopathy is theoretically possible. Clinically significant interactions are not well documented.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed for a short metronidazole course. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
What other medicines interact with Metronidazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metronidazole with, for example, Ethanol, Pimozide, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Metronidazole page.
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