Can I take Amlodipine and Atorvastatin together?

Amlodipine and atorvastatin can usually be taken together safely and it is very common for these two medicines to be prescribed together. However, taking amlodipine and atorvastatin together can increase the amount of atorvastatin in your blood.

Amlodipine can slow down the liver enzyme (CYP3A4) that is responsible for breaking down atorvastatin. Because the body processes the statin more slowly, the levels of the medicine build up in your system.

How to know if you're having a drug interaction?

You may be experiencing an interaction between amlodipine and atorvastatin if you experience:

• Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps.

• Dark-coloured pee.

• Unexplained fatigue.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

• Stomach pain or feeling sick (nausea).

These could indicate that atorvastatin levels are higher than normal or affecting your liver or muscles.

What you should do

If you notice these symptoms, you should:

• Contact your doctor immediately-don’t wait for the next appointment.

• Do not stop your medications on your own unless your doctor tells you to.

• Report all symptoms in detail, including when they started and how severe they are.

• Attend any recommended blood tests to check liver function and muscle enzymes.

This helps your doctor decide if your dose needs adjusting or if an alternative treatment is safer.

Important precautions

Pregnancy

You must not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Use effective contraception while taking it.

Muscle pain or weakness - atorvastatin

Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately. In rare cases, this can lead to serious kidney problems.

Grapefruit juice consumption

Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice. It can significantly increase the levels of these medicines in your blood, making side effects much more likely.

Food and drink warnings

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Grapefruit can increase the amount of these medicines in your blood, which makes side effects more likely. For atorvastatin, this can increase the risk of muscle damage. For amlodipine, it can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. You should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking these medicines.

Alcohol

Drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking atorvastatin can increase your risk of liver problems. It is best to keep your alcohol intake within the recommended limits (no more than 14 units per week).

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.