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Interacting Drugs

OBJECT DRUGS

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors:

PRECIPITANT DRUGS

Antimicrobials:


Comment:

Lovastatin and simvastatin undergo extensive first-pass metabolism by CYP3A4; antimicrobials that inhibit CYP3A4 increase the risk of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Most of the above CYP3A4 inhibitors are listed as contraindicated in the simvastatin product information (2013), and one would expect lovastatin to be just as likely as simvastatin to cause myopathy when combined with CYP3A4 inhibitors. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) undergoes less first-pass metabolism by CYP3A4 than lovastatin or simvastatin, so the risk of myopathy when combined with CYP3A4 inhibitors appears to be less. Nonetheless, some cases have been reported, including a fatal case of rhabdomyolysis possibly due to atorvastatin and fluconazole.


Class 2: Use Only if Benefit Felt to Outweigh Risk