Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Alcohol / Food Interactions
There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Lipitor (atorvastatin):
Moderate Food Interaction
GENERALLY AVOID: In small studies, the consumption of large amounts of grapefruit juice was associated with significantly increased plasma concentrations of lovastatin and simvastatin and their active acid metabolites. Similar results but to a lesser degree were reported for atorvastatin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity (myopathy with grossly elevated creatine kinase and rhabdomyolysis with or without acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria) has been associated with high levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma.
ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Fibers 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, lovastatin, simvastatin, or red yeast rice (which contains lovastatin) should be advised to avoid the regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice (the manufacturers of simvastatin and lovastatin advise against ingestion of greater than 1 quart per day). Pravastatin and fluvastatin are metabolized by other enzymes and may be preferable alternatives in some individuals. Patients should be advised to immediately notify their physician if they experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. In addition, they 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.
You should also know about...
Lipitor (atorvastatin) drug Interactions
There are 258 drug interactions with Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Lipitor (atorvastatin) disease Interactions
There are 2 disease interactions with Lipitor (atorvastatin) which include:
See also...
Drug Interaction Classification
The classifications below are a general guideline only. It is difficult to determine the relevance of a particular drug interaction to any individual given the large number of variables.
| 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.
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