Drug interactions
Rufinamide + Simvastatin
Severity: Minor
Rufinamide 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
Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and may modestly lower simvastatin exposure. The effect on lipid control is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rufinamide 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.
Rufinamide belongs to Central Nervous System; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 by rufinamide increases simvastatin metabolism.
What to do
Check lipid response after starting rufinamide and adjust the statin dose if cholesterol targets are not met.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rufinamide
- Carbamazepine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rufinamide Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Esketamine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rufinamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rufinamide with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Rufinamide 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. Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and may modestly lower simvastatin exposure. The effect on lipid control is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Rufinamide 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: Check lipid response after starting rufinamide and adjust the statin dose if cholesterol targets are not met.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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