Clarithromycin and Simvastatin interaction
Clarithromycin and Simvastatin: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Clarithromycin label · effective 2026-01-01
Lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin ( 4.5 )
Lomitapide, Lovastatin, and Simvastatin Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets with lomitapide is contraindicated due to potential for markedly increased transaminases [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; markedly increased transaminases with lomitapide; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; hypoglycemia and cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes) with disopyramide; and hypotension and acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine,…
The use of clarithromycin with lomitapide, simvastatin, lovastatin, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4.5 , 4.6 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
If treatment with clarithromycin tablets cannot be avoided, therapy with lovastatin or simvastatin must be suspended during the course of treatment.
From the Simvastatin (ZOCOR) label · effective 2025-03-28
ZOCOR is contraindicated in the following conditions: Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (select azole anti-fungals, macrolide antibiotics, anti-viral medications, and nefazodone) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (select azole anti-fungals, macrolide antibiotics, anti-viral medications, and nefazodone) ( 4 , 7.1 )
Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis The concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with ZOCOR is contraindicated.
Intervention: Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with ZOCOR is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] .
If treatment with a CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, suspend ZOCOR during the course of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor treatment.
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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.