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Drug Interactions between diltiazem and Lipitor

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Moderate

dilTIAZem atorvastatin

Applies to: diltiazem and Lipitor (atorvastatin)

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins) that are metabolized by the isoenzyme. Lovastatin and simvastatin are particularly susceptible because of their low oral bioavailability, but others such as atorvastatin and cerivastatin may also be affected. High levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity. Myopathy manifested as muscle pain and/or weakness associated with grossly elevated creatine kinase exceeding ten times the upper limit of normal has been reported occasionally. Rhabdomyolysis has also occurred rarely, which may be accompanied by acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria and may result in death. Clinically significant interactions have been reported with potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors and nefazodone, and moderate inhibitors such as amiodarone, cyclosporine, danazol, diltiazem and verapamil.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, or red yeast rice (which contains lovastatin) is prescribed with a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor. It is advisable to monitor lipid levels and use the lowest effective statin dose. All patients receiving statin therapy should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, malaise and/or dark colored urine. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed. Fluvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin are not expected to interact with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors.

References

  1. Spach DH, Bauwens JE, Clark CD, Burke WG "Rhabdomyolysis associated with lovastatin and erythromycin use." West J Med 154 (1991): 213-5
  2. Ayanian JZ, Fuchs CS, Stone RM "Lovastatin and rhabdomyolysis." Ann Intern Med 109 (1988): 682-3
  3. Corpier CL, Jones PH, Suki WN, et al. "Rhabdomyolysis and renal injury with lovastatin use. Report of two cases in cardiac transplant recipients." JAMA 260 (1988): 239-41
  4. East C, Alivizatos PA, Grundy SM, Jones PH, Farmer JA "Rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving lovastatin after cardiac transplantation." N Engl J Med 318 (1988): 47-8
  5. Norman DJ, Illingworth DR, Munson J, Hosenpud J "Myolysis and acute renal failure in a heart-transplant recipient receiving lovastatin." N Engl J Med 318 (1988): 46-7
  6. "Product Information. Mevacor (lovastatin)." Merck & Co., Inc PROD (2002):
  7. "Product Information. Zocor (simvastatin)." Merck & Co., Inc PROD (2001):
  8. Dallaire M, Chamberland M "Severe rhabdomyolysis in a patient receiving lovastatin, danazol and doxycycline." Can Med Assoc J 150 (1994): 1991-4
  9. Campana C, Iacona I, Regassi MB, et al. "Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of simvastatin in heart transplant recipients." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 235-9
  10. Lees RS, Lees AM "Rhabdomyolysis from the coadministration of lovastatin and the antifungal agent itraconazole." N Engl J Med 333 (1995): 664-5
  11. Zhou LX, Finley DK, Hassell AE, Holtzman JL "Pharmacokinetic interaction between isradipine and lovastatin in normal, female and male volunteers." J Pharmacol Exp Ther 273 (1995): 121-7
  12. Neuvonen PJ, Jalava KM "Itraconazole drastically increases plasma concentrations of lovastatin and lovastatin acid." Clin Pharmacol Ther 60 (1996): 54-61
  13. Horn M "Coadministration of itraconazole with hypolipidemic agents may induce rhabdomyolysis in healthy individuals." Arch Dermatol 132 (1996): 1254
  14. "Product Information. Lipitor (atorvastatin)." Parke-Davis PROD (2001):
  15. Jacobson RH, Wang P, Glueck CJ "Myositis and rhabdomyolysis associated with concurrent use of simvastatin and nefazodone." JAMA 277 (1997): 296
  16. Jody DN "Myositis and rhabdomyolysis associated with concurrent use of simvastatin and nefazodone." JAMA 277 (1997): 296-7
  17. "Product Information. Baycol (cerivastatin)." Bayer PROD (2001):
  18. Grunden JW, Fisher KA "Lovastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis possibly associated with clarithromycin and azithromycin." Ann Pharmacother 31 (1997): 859-63
  19. Wong PW, Dillard TA, Kroenke K "Multiple organ toxicity from addition of erythromycin to long-term lovastatin therapy." South Med J 91 (1998): 202-5
  20. Neuvonen PJ, Kantola T, Kivisto KT "Simvastatin but not pravastatin is very susceptible to interaction with the CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole." Clin Pharmacol Ther 63 (1998): 332-41
  21. Agbin NE, Brater DC, Hall SD "Interaction of diltiazem with lovastatin and pravastatin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 61 (1997): 201
  22. Kivisto KT, Kantola T, Neuvonen PJ "Different effects of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin and lovastatin." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 49-53
  23. Kantola T, Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ "Effect of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 58-65
  24. Kantola T, Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ "Erythromycin and verapamil considerably increase serum simvastatin and simvastatin acid concentrations." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 177-82
  25. Azie NE, Brater DC, Becker PA, Jones DR, Hall SD "The interaction of diltiazem with lovastatin and pravastatin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 369-77
  26. Lomaestro BM, Piatek MA "Update on drug interactions with azole antifungal agents." Ann Pharmacother 32 (1998): 915-28
  27. Kantola T, Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ "Effect of itraconazole on cerivastatin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 54 (1999): 851-5
  28. Malaty LI, Kuper JJ "Drug interactions of HIV protease inhibitors." Drug Safety 20 (1999): 147-69
  29. Siedlik PH, Olson SC, Yang BB, Stern RH "Erythromycin coadministration increases plasma atorvastatin concentrations." J Clin Pharmacol 39 (1999): 501-4
  30. Barry M, Mulcahy F, Merry C, Gibbons S, Back D "Pharmacokinetics and potential interactions amongst antiretroviral agents used to treat patients with HIV infection." Clin Pharmacokinet 36 (1999): 289-304
  31. Rodriguez JA, CrespoLeiro MG, Paniagua MJ, Cuenca JJ, Hermida LF, Juffe A, CastroBeiras A "Rhabdomyolysis in heart transplant patients on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and cyclosporine." Transplant Proc 31 (1999): 2522-3
  32. Gruer PJK, Vega JM, Mercuri MF, Dobrinska MR, Tobert JA "Concomitant use of cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors and simvastatin." Am J Cardiol 84 (1999): 811-5
  33. Gilad R, Lampl Y "Rhabdomyolysis induced by simvastatin and ketoconazole treatment." Clin Neuropharmacol 22 (1999): 295-7
  34. Gullestad L, Nordal KP, Berg KJ, Cheng H, Schwartz MS, Simonsen S "Interaction between lovastatin and cyclosporine A after heart and kidney transplantation." Transplant Proc 31 (1999): 2163-5
  35. Yeo KR, Yeo WW, Wallis EJ, Ramsay LE "Enhanced cholesterol reduction by simvastatin in diltiazem-treated patients." Br J Clin Pharmacol 48 (1999): 610-5
  36. Maltz HC, Balog DL, Cheigh JS "Rhabdomyolysis associated with concomitant use of atorvastatin and cyclosporine." Ann Pharmacother 33 (1999): 1176-9
  37. Dresser GK, Spence JD, Bailey DG "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic consequences and clinical relevance of cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition." Clin Pharmacokinet 38 (2000): 41-57
  38. Jardine A, Holdaas H "Fluvastatin in combination with cyclosporin in renal transplant recipients: a review of clinical and safety experience." J Clin Pharm Ther 24 (1999): 397-408
  39. Mousa O, Brater DC, Sundblad KJ, Hall SD "The interaction of diltiazem with simvastatin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 67 (2000): 267-74
  40. Westphal JF "Macrolide - induced clinically relevant drug interactions with cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4: an update focused on clarithromycin, azithromycin, and dirithromycin." Br J Clin Pharmacol 50 (2000): 285-95
  41. Kusus M, Stapleton DD, Lertora JJL, Simon EE, Dreisbach AW "Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a cardiac transplant recipient due to multiple drug interactions." Am J Med Sci 320 (2000): 394-7
  42. Lee AJ, Maddix DS "Rhabdomyolysis secondary to a drug interaction between simvastatin and clarithromycin." Ann Pharmacother 35 (2001): 26-31
  43. Yeo KR, Yeo WW "Inhibitory effects of verapamil and diltiazem on simvastatin metabolism in human liver microsomes." Br J Clin Pharmacol 51 (2001): 461-70
  44. Arnadottir M, Eriksson LO, Thysell H, Karkas JD "Plasma concentration profiles of simvastatin 3-hydroxy- 3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitory activity in kidney transplant recipients with and without ciclosporin." Nephron 65 (1993): 410-3
  45. Corsini A, Bellosta S, Baetta R, Fumagalli R, Paoletti R, Bernini F "New insights into the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of statins." Pharmacol Ther 84 (1999): 413-28
  46. Garnett WR "Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors." Am J Health Syst Pharm 52 (1995): 1639-45
  47. Omar MA, Wilson JP "FDA adverse event reports on statin-associated rhabdomyolysis." Ann Pharmacother 36 (2002): 288-95
  48. Fichtenbaum CJ, Gerber JG, Rosenkranz SL, et al. "Pharmacokinetic interactions between protease inhibitors and statins in HIV seronegative volunteers: ACTG Study A5047." AIDS 16 (2002): 569-577
  49. Amsden GW, Kuye O, Wei GC "A study of the interaction potential of azithromycin and clarithromycin with atorvastatin in healthy volunteers." J Clin Pharmacol 42 (2002): 444-9
  50. Williams D, Feely J "Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Drug Interactions with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors." Clin Pharmacokinet 41 (2002): 343-70
  51. Thompson M, Samuels S "Rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin and nefazodone." Am J Psychiatry 159 (2002): 1607
  52. Huynh T, Cordato D, Yang F, et al. "HMG coA reductase-inhibitor-related myopathy and the influence of drug interactions." Intern Med J 32(9-10) (2002): 486-90
  53. Paoletti R, Corsini A, Bellosta S "Pharmacological interactions of statins." Atheroscler Suppl 3 (2002): 35-40
  54. Sipe BE, Jones RJ, Bokhart GH "Rhabdomyolysis Causing AV Blockade Due to Possible Atorvastatin, Esomeprazole, and Clarithromycin Interaction." Ann Pharmacother 37 (2003): 808-11
  55. de Denus S, Spinler SA "Amiodarone's role in simvastatin-associated rhabdomyolysis." Am J Health Syst Pharm 60 (2003): 1791; author reply 1791-2
  56. Skrabal MZ, Stading JA, Monaghan MS "Rhabdomyolysis associated with simvastatin-nefazodone therapy." South Med J 96 (2003): 1034-5
  57. Andreou ER, Ledger S "Potential drug interaction between simvastatin and danazol causing rhabdomyolysis." Can J Clin Pharmacol 10 (2003): 172-4
  58. Roten L, Schoenenberger RA, Krahenbuhl S, Schlienger RG "Rhabdomyolysis in association with simvastatin and amiodarone." Ann Pharmacother 38 (2004): 978-81
  59. Jacobson TA "Comparative pharmacokinetic interaction profiles of pravastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin when coadministered with cytochrome P450 inhibitors." Am J Cardiol 94 (2004): 1140-6
  60. Chouhan UM, Chakrabarti S, Millward LJ "Simvastatin interaction with clarithromycin and amiodarone causing myositis." Ann Pharmacother 39 (2005): 1760-1
  61. Karnik NS, Maldonado JR "Antidepressant and statin interactions: a review and case report of simvastatin and nefazodone-induced rhabdomyolysis and transaminitis." Psychosomatics 46 (2005): 565-8
  62. Neuvonen PJ, Backman JT, Niemi M "Pharmacokinetic comparison of the potential over-the-counter statins simvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin and pravastatin." Clin Pharmacokinet 47 (2008): 463-74
  63. "Product Information. Qelbree (viloxazine)." Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc (2021):
View all 63 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

dilTIAZem food

Applies to: diltiazem

MONITOR: Like many CNS-active agents, alcohol can exhibit hypotensive effects. Coadministration with antihypertensive agents including diltiazem may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered diltiazem in some patients. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In a study of ten healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 120 mg oral dose of immediate-release diltiazem in combination with 250 mL of grapefruit juice increased the diltiazem peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by an average of 22% and 20%, respectively, compared to administration with water. The time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and the terminal half-life were not affected, and no statistically significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate were observed during administration with grapefruit juice relative to water. In a different study, repeated administration of 200 mL of grapefruit juice at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours had no significant effect on the Cmax or AUC of a single 120 mg oral dose of diltiazem, but increased its half-life from 4.1 to 5.1 hours. The ratios for the N-demethyl and deacetyl metabolites to diltiazem were also not affected by grapefruit juice. However, because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised that alcohol may potentiate the hypotensive effects of diltiazem, especially during the initiation of therapy and following a dosage increase. Caution should be exercised when rising from a sitting or recumbent position, and patients should notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients who regularly consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be monitored for increased adverse effects of diltiazem such as such as headache, irregular heartbeat, edema, unexplained weight gain, and chest pain. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected.

References

  1. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet 26 (1994): 91-8
  2. Sigusch H, Henschel L, Kraul H, Merkel U, Hoffmann A "Lack of effect of grapefruit juice on diltiazem bioavailability in normal subjects." Pharmazie 49 (1994): 675-9
  3. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 101-10
  4. Christensen H, Asberg A, Holmboe AB, Berg KJ "Coadministration of grapefruit juice increases systemic exposure of diltiazem in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 58 (2002): 515-520
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
View all 5 references

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Moderate

atorvastatin food

Applies to: Lipitor (atorvastatin)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. When a single 40 mg dose of atorvastatin was coadministered with 240 mL of grapefruit juice, atorvastatin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 16% and 37%, respectively. Greater increases in Cmax (up to 71%) and/or AUC (up to 2.5 fold) have been reported with excessive consumption of grapefruit juice (>=750 mL to 1.2 liters per day). Clinically, high levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity. Myopathy manifested as muscle pain and/or weakness associated with grossly elevated creatine kinase exceeding ten times the upper limit of normal has been reported occasionally. Rhabdomyolysis has also occurred rarely, which may be accompanied by acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria and may result in death.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Fibres such as oat bran and pectin may diminish the pharmacologic effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors by interfering with their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving therapy with atorvastatin should limit their consumption of grapefruit juice to no more than 1 liter per day. Patients should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, malaise and/or dark colored urine. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed. In addition, patients should either refrain from the use of oat bran and pectin or, if concurrent use cannot be avoided, to separate the administration times by at least 2 to 4 hours.

References

  1. Richter WO, Jacob BG, Schwandt P "Interaction between fibre and lovastatin." Lancet 338 (1991): 706
  2. McMillan K "Considerations in the formulary selection of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitors." Am J Health Syst Pharm 53 (1996): 2206-14
  3. "Product Information. Lipitor (atorvastatin)." Parke-Davis PROD (2001):
  4. Boberg M, Angerbauer R, Fey P, Kanhai WK, Karl W, Kern A, Ploschke J, Radtke M "Metabolism of cerivastatin by human liver microsomes in vitro. Characterization of primary metabolic pathways and of cytochrome P45 isozymes involved." Drug Metab Dispos 25 (1997): 321-31
  5. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 101-10
  6. Lilja JJ, Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ "Grapefruit juice increases serum concentrations of atorvastatin and has no effect on pravastatin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 66 (1999): 118-27
  7. Neuvonen PJ, Backman JT, Niemi M "Pharmacokinetic comparison of the potential over-the-counter statins simvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin and pravastatin." Clin Pharmacokinet 47 (2008): 463-74
View all 7 references

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Moderate

dilTIAZem food

Applies to: diltiazem

MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.

References

  1. Henry M, Kay MM, Viccellio P "Cardiogenic shock associated with calcium-channel and beta blockers: reversal with intravenous calcium chloride." Am J Emerg Med 3 (1985): 334-6
  2. Moller IW "Cardiac arrest following intravenous verapamil combined with halothane anaesthesia." Br J Anaesth 59 (1987): 522-6
  3. Oszko MA, Klutman NE "Use of calcium salts during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for reversing verapamil-associated hypotension." Clin Pharm 6 (1987): 448-9
  4. Schoen MD, Parker RB, Hoon TJ, et al. "Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic effects of intravenous verapamil with intravenous calcium chloride pretreatment in normal subjects." Am J Cardiol 67 (1991): 300-4
  5. O'Quinn SV, Wohns DH, Clarke S, Koch G, Patterson JH, Adams KF "Influence of calcium on the hemodynamic and anti-ischemic effects of nifedipine observed during treadmill exercise testing." Pharmacotherapy 10 (1990): 247
  6. Woie L, Storstein L "Successful treatment of suicidal verapamil poisoning with calcium gluconate." Eur Heart J 2 (1981): 239-42
  7. Morris DL, Goldschlager N "Calcium infusion for reversal of adverse effects of intravenous verapamil." JAMA 249 (1983): 3212-3
  8. Guadagnino V, Greengart A, Hollander G, Solar M, Shani J, Lichstein E "Treatment of severe left ventricular dysfunction with calcium chloride in patients receiving verapamil." J Clin Pharmacol 27 (1987): 407-9
  9. Luscher TF, Noll G, Sturmer T, Huser B, Wenk M "Calcium gluconate in severe verapamil intoxication." N Engl J Med 330 (1994): 718-20
  10. Bar-Or D, Gasiel Y "Calcium and calciferol antagonise effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation." Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 282 (1981): 1585-6
  11. Lipman J, Jardine I, Roos C, Dreosti L "Intravenous calcium chloride as an antidote to verapamil-induced hypotension." Intensive Care Med 8 (1982): 55-7
  12. McMillan R "Management of acute severe verapamil intoxication." J Emerg Med 6 (1988): 193-6
  13. Perkins CM "Serious verapamil poisoning: treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate." Br Med J 2 (1978): 1127
  14. Moroni F, Mannaioni PF, Dolara A, Ciaccheri M "Calcium gluconate and hypertonic sodium chloride in a case of massive verapamil poisoning." Clin Toxicol 17 (1980): 395-400
View all 14 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

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Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
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.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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