Simvastatin and Verapamil interaction
Simvastatin and Verapamil: 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 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.
From the Verapamil (Verapamil Hydrochloride) label · effective 2025-03-25
If simvastatin is co-administered with verapamil, do not exceed doses greater than 10 mg daily of simvastatin ( 7.2 )
Co-administration of multiple doses of 10 mg of verapamil with 80 mg simvastatin resulted in exposure to simvastatin 2.5-fold that following simvastatin alone.
Limit the dose of simvastatin in patients on verapamil to 10 mg daily.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors The use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are CYP3A4 substrates in combination with verapamil has been associated with reports of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
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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.