Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Lovastatin and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and markedly reduces lovastatin exposure. Lipid-lowering efficacy may be lost.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Rifampin 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
Rifampin induces CYP3A4 and intestinal transporters, increasing lovastatin first-pass and systemic clearance.
What to do
Monitor lipid levels and consider a statin less affected by induction, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin, during rifampin therapy.
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 Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lovastatin and Rifampin 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. Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and markedly reduces lovastatin exposure. Lipid-lowering efficacy may be lost.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Rifampin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor lipid levels and consider a statin less affected by induction, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin, during rifampin therapy.
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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