Drug Interactions With Amlodipine and Atorvastatin

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when amlodipine and atorvastatin is combined with any of the substances listed above. Because the amlodipine (Norvasc^®) component is unlikely to interact with most other medications, the interactions discussed in this article are primarily due to the atorvastatin (Lipitor^®) component.

 

If you are using antacids while on amlodipine and atorvastatin, make sure to take the antacid at least two hours before or after taking your amlodipine and atorvastatin dose. Antacids may decrease the level of atorvastatin (one of the components) in your blood, perhaps making it less effective.

 

Taking birth control pills with amlodipine and atorvastatin can increase the level of the hormones in the pills, perhaps increasing your risk of side effects. Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider if you are currently using birth control pills. He or she may recommend a birth control pill with a lower dose of hormones.

 

Some antibiotics and antifungal medications can increase the level of atorvastatin in your blood, possibly increasing your risk of side effects -- including myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (see Lipitor and Muscle Pain). In addition, combining amlodipine and atorvastatin with ketoconazole can theoretically increase your risk of low hormone levels. Talk with your healthcare provider before using these medications together.

 

Theoretically, amlodipine and atorvastatin may decrease the level of steroid hormones in the body. Since cimetidine can also lower these hormone levels, taking these medications together can increase your risk of problems due to low hormones. Talk to your healthcare provider before combining cimetidine with amlodipine and atorvastatin.

 

Taking cyclosporine and amlodipine and atorvastatin simultaneously may increase your risk of side effects due to the atorvastatin (Lipitor) component, including serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Depending on your individual situation, your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your progress more closely and make necessary dosing adjustments.

 

Amlodipine and atorvastatin can increase the level of digoxin in your blood, perhaps increasing your risk of digoxin side effects. Your healthcare provider should monitor the level of digoxin in your blood and adjust your dose of this medication as necessary.

 

Taking a fibrate and amlodipine and atorvastatin at the same time may increase your risk of atorvastatin (Lipitor) side effects, including serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Talk with your healthcare provider before combining these two medications.

 

Grapefruit juice can increase the level of the atorvastatin (Lipitor) component of amlodipine and atorvastatin (see Lipitor and Grapefruit). In general, it is a good idea to avoid grapefruit juice while you are taking the drug.

 

Combining niacin with amlodipine and atorvastatin can increase the risk of serious muscle problems (such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis), due to the atorvastatin (Lipitor) component of the drug. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and atorvastatin with niacin, including non-prescription niacin supplements.

 

Amlodipine and atorvastatin contains a statin medication. Therefore, combining it with other statin medications may increase the risk of serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. In general, you should not use more than one statin at the same time.

 

Taking amlodipine and atorvastatin with a protease inhibitor may increase the level of the atorvastatin (Lipitor) component in your blood. This can increase your risk of atorvastatin side effects, including serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Depending on your individual situation, your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your progress closely and make necessary dosing adjustments.

 

Red yeast rice is a supplement used to lower cholesterol. Taking it with amlodipine and atorvastatin may increase your risk of serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. In general, you should not use amlodipine and atorvastatin with red yeast rice.

 

 

Theoretically, amlodipine and atorvastatin may decrease the level of steroid hormones in the body. Since spironolactone can also lower these hormone levels, taking these medications together may increase your risk of problems due to low hormones. Talk to your healthcare provider before combining spironolactone with amlodipine and atorvastatin.