Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Verapamil
Severity: Major
Lovastatin and Verapamil: major 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
Verapamil inhibits CYP3A4 and raises lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Verapamil 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; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of lovastatin, which has high first-pass extraction.
What to do
Limit lovastatin to the labeled maximum dose with verapamil, or switch to a statin not dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Advise patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
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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References
Other interactions of Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil 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 Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lovastatin and Verapamil 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. Verapamil inhibits CYP3A4 and raises lovastatin exposure, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Verapamil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit lovastatin to the labeled maximum dose with verapamil, or switch to a statin not dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Advise patients to report muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Verapamil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Verapamil with, for example, Dofetilide, Flibanserin, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Verapamil page.
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