Red Yeast Rice Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
red yeast rice is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
Amiodarone may increase the level of
lovastatin in your blood, possibly increasing your risk of dangerous
red yeast rice side effects. Do not take red yeast rice with amiodarone without your healthcare provider's approval and supervision.
Certain Antibiotics or Antifungals
Some antibiotics and antifungal medications can increase the level of lovastatin in your blood, which may increase your risk of side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using red yeast rice with any of these medications.
Certain Calcium Channel Blockers
Diltiazem and
verapamil may increase the level of lovastatin in your blood, potentially increasing your risk of side effects. Check with your healthcare provider before taking red yeast rice with diltiazem or verapamil.
Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
Taking
cyclosporine and red yeast rice simultaneously may increase your risk of side effects due to the lovastatin component of red yeast rice. If you take cyclosporine, do not take red yeast rice without your healthcare provider's knowledge and supervision.
Fibrates
Combining a fibrate with red yeast rice may increase your risk of side effects, including serious muscle problems (such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis). Talk with your healthcare provider before taking red yeast rice with a fibrate medication.
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice can increase the level of the lovastatin component of red yeast rice in your blood. In general, it is a good idea to avoid grapefruit juice while you are taking red yeast rice.
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