Astatin Drug Interactions

The risk of myopathy during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is increased with concurrent administration of cyclosporine, fibric acid derivatives, niacin or cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (eg erythromycin and azole antifungals).
Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4: Atorvastatin is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4. Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 can lead to increases in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. The extent of interaction and potentiation of effects depends on the variability of effect on cytochrome P450 3A4.
Erythromycin/Clarithromycin: Co-administration of atorvastatin and erythromycin (500 mg four times daily), or clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.
Protease inhibitors: Co-administration of atorvastatin and protease inhibitors, known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, was associated with increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.
Diltiazem hydrochloride: Co-administration of atorvastatin (40mg) with diltiazem (240mg) was associated with higher plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.
Cimetidine: No clinically significant interactions were seen.
Grapefruit juice: Contains one or more components that inhibit CYP 3A4 and can increase plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, especially with excessive grapefruit juice consumption (>1.2 liters per day).
Inducers of cytochrome P450 3A: Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 (eg efavirenz, rifampin) can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampin, (cytochrome P450 3A4 induction and inhibition of hepatocyte uptake transporter OATP1B1), simultaneous co-administration of atorvastatin with rifampin is recommended, as delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations.
Antacids: Co-administration of atorvastatin with an oral antacid suspension containing magnesium and aluminum hydroxides, decreased atorvastatin plasma concentrations approximately 35%; however, LDL-C reduction was not altered.
Antipyrine: Because atorvastatin does not affect the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine, interactions with other drugs metabolized via the same cytochrome isozymes are not expected.
Colestipol: Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin were lower (approximately 25%) when colestipol was administered with atorvastatin. However, lipid effects were greater when atorvastatin and colestipol were co-administered than when either drug was given alone.
Digoxin: When multiple doses of digoxin and 10 mg atorvastatin were co-administered, steady- state plasma digoxin concentrations were unaffected. However, digoxin concentrations increased approximately 20% following administration of digoxin with 80 mg atorvastatin daily. Patients taking digoxin should be monitored appropriately.
Azithromycin: Co-administration of atorvastatin (10 mg once daily) and azithromycin (500 mg once daily) did not alter the plasma concentrations of atorvastatin.
Oral Contraceptives: Co-administration with an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by approximately 30% and 20%. These increases should be considered when selecting an oral contraceptive for a woman taking atorvastatin.
Warfarin: An atorvastatin interaction study with warfarin was conducted, and no clinically significant interactions were seen.
Amlodipine: Atorvastatin pharmacokinetics were not altered by the co-administration of atorvastatin 80 mg and amlodipine 10 mg at steady state.
Other Concomitant Therapy: Atorvastatin was used concomitantly with antihypertensive agents and estrogen replacement therapy without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions. Interaction studies with specific agents have not been conducted.