Drug interactions between azithromycin and Lipitor

Results for the following 2 drugs:
azithromycin
Lipitor (atorvastatin)

Interactions between your selected drugs

azithromycin ↔ atorvastatin

Applies to:azithromycin and Lipitor (atorvastatin)

MONITOR: Azithromycin has been implicated in a single case of rhabdomyolysis during lovastatin treatment. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. Macrolide antibiotics that inhibit CYP450 3A4 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; however, azithromycin is generally believed to have little, if any, effect on this isoenzyme. In 12 healthy patients treated with atorvastatin (10 mg once a day for 8 days), the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin were not significantly changed following 3 days of azithromycin (500 mg once a day from days 6 through 8).

MANAGEMENT: Until further data are available, caution is advised if azithromycin is prescribed to patients treated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or red yeast rice (which contains lovastatin). Patients should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated or if myopathy is suspected or diagnosed.

See also...

Drug Interaction Classification

The classifications below are a guideline only. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific patient is difficult to determine using this tool alone given the large number of variables that may apply.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.

Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your healthcare provider.


Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Multum is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Multum Information Services, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. Copyright 2000-2012 Multum Information Services, Inc. The information in contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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