Drug interactions
Nifedipine + Simvastatin
Severity: Minor
Nifedipine and Simvastatin: 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
Nifedipine is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may slightly increase simvastatin exposure. The effect is usually small, but myopathy risk is dose-related.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nifedipine and Simvastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Nifedipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Weak inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated simvastatin metabolism.
What to do
No routine dose limit is required, but use the lowest effective simvastatin dose. Advise patients to report 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 Nifedipine
Other interactions of Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nifedipine with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nifedipine and Simvastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Nifedipine is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may slightly increase simvastatin exposure. The effect is usually small, but myopathy risk is dose-related.
How serious is the interaction between Nifedipine and Simvastatin?
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 routine dose limit is required, but use the lowest effective simvastatin dose. Advise patients to report muscle pain or weakness.
What other medicines interact with Nifedipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nifedipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-benazepril, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Nifedipine page.
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