HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Atorvastatin with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Atorvastatin (Atorvastatin). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Atorvastatin at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Atorvastatin at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Atorvastatin, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Atorvastatin is co-administered. Adjusted 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Atorvastatin is metabolised and may need a temporary 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Atorvastatin regimen.
Will antibiotics make Atorvastatin stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Atorvastatin efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Atorvastatin levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Products containing Atorvastatin
More on Atorvastatin
- With alcoholAtorvastatin and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Atorvastatin be taken with food?
- Side effectsAtorvastatin side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideAtorvastatin dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Atorvastatin start working?
- DurationHow long does Atorvastatin last?
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