Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Lovastatin and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital is an inducer of CYP3A4 and can reduce lovastatin exposure. The result may be diminished cholesterol lowering during long-term use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Phenobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4, accelerating lovastatin metabolism.
What to do
Check lipid levels after starting or stopping phenobarbital and adjust the statin dose. Consider pravastatin or rosuvastatin as alternatives.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lovastatin with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lovastatin and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital is an inducer of CYP3A4 and can reduce lovastatin exposure. The result may be diminished cholesterol lowering during long-term use.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lipid levels after starting or stopping phenobarbital and adjust the statin dose. Consider pravastatin or rosuvastatin as alternatives.
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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