Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Nicardipine
Severity: Major
Lovastatin and Nicardipine: major 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
Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Lovastatin is highly dependent on CYP3A4 for clearance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Nicardipine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated first-pass and hepatic metabolism of lovastatin by nicardipine.
What to do
Use a statin not dependent on CYP3A4, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin, or keep the lovastatin dose low. Monitor for muscle pain, weakness and elevated creatine kinase.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Nicardipine
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 Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lovastatin and Nicardipine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Lovastatin is highly dependent on CYP3A4 for clearance.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a statin not dependent on CYP3A4, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin, or keep the lovastatin dose low. Monitor for muscle pain, weakness and elevated creatine kinase.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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