Atorvastatin and Niacin interaction
Atorvastatin and Niacin: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Atorvastatin (Lipitor) label · effective 2024-04-15
Cases of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis have been reported with atorvastatin co-administered with lipid modifying doses (>1 gram/day) of niacin, fibrates, colchicine, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
Niacin Clinical Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been observed with concomitant use of lipid modifying dosages of niacin (≥1 gram/day niacin) with LIPITOR.
Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using lipid modifying dosages of niacin concomitantly with LIPITOR outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
From the Niacin label · effective 2026-04-15
The risk for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are increased among elderly patients; patients with diabetes, renal failure, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; and patients being treated with a statin.
Mortality and Coronary Heart Disease Morbidity Niacin extended-release tablets have not been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity or mortality among patients already treated with a statin.
Skeletal Muscle Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been associated with concomitant administration of lipid-altering doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin and statins.
Statins: Caution should be used when prescribing niacin with statins as these agents can increase risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Statins Caution should be used when prescribing niacin (≥1 gm/day) with statins as these drugs can increase risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.