Lipitor Drug Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
Lipitor is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Birth Control Pills
Taking
birth control pills with Lipitor can increase the level of hormones in the birth control pills, perhaps increasing your risk of side effects. Be sure to discuss this interaction with your healthcare provider if you are currently using birth control pills.
Certain Antifungal Medications
Some antifungal medications may increase the level of Lipitor in your blood, increasing your risk of muscle problems
(see Lipitor and Muscle Pain). Check with your healthcare provider before taking Lipitor with any of these medications.
Certain Antibiotics
Some antibiotics may increase the level of Lipitor in your blood, increasing your risk of muscle problems
(see Lipitor and Muscle Pain). Others (such as rifampin) can produce unpredictable results, sometimes decreasing the level of Lipitor in the blood. Check with your healthcare provider before combining these medications.
Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
Taking cyclosporine and Lipitor simultaneously may greatly increase the level of Lipitor in your blood. This can increase your risk of
Lipitor side effects, including serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
(see Lipitor and Muscle Pain). For people who take cyclosporine, the maximum recommended
Lipitor dosage is 10 mg per day.
Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin)
Lipitor can increase digoxin levels in the blood, increasing the risk of serious side effects. Your healthcare provider should monitor the level of digoxin in your blood, especially when you start or stop Lipitor.
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