Can I take Paracetamol and Statins together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 24 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
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There is no significant interaction between paracetamol and most statins (such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, or rosuvastatin). They are generally considered safe to take together at recommended doses.
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Why this happens
Paracetamol and statins are processed by the liver using different pathways. Paracetamol does not interfere with how statins work to lower cholesterol, nor do statins change how paracetamol relieves pain or fever.
What you should do
You can safely take paracetamol while on statin medication. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet and do not exceed 4000mg (eight 500mg tablets) of paracetamol in a 24-hour period. If you have pre-existing liver problems, consult your doctor before taking these medicines together.
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Important precautions
Liver health and multiple medicine use
Never take more than one medicine containing paracetamol at the same time. Exceeding the maximum dose can cause fatal liver failure, often with no immediate symptoms. Check labels of cold and flu remedies carefully.
Unexplained muscle pain
You must report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately. In rare cases, this can lead to a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which causes kidney damage.
Dietary interaction (Grapefruit)
Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit. It can significantly increase the level of the medicine in your blood, making serious side effects much more likely.
Food and drink warnings
Alcohol
While an occasional drink is generally safe, chronic heavy drinking or binge drinking increases the risk of severe liver damage when taking paracetamol. This is because both substances are processed by the liver.
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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.
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Taking amlodipine and ramipril together can cause your blood pressure to drop lower than if you took either medicine alone. While this is often the goal of treatment, it can sometimes make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when you stand up quickly. It may also increase the risk of your kidneys not working as well as they should.
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Can I take Atorvastatin and Nustendi together?
Taking these two medicines together can increase the amount of atorvastatin in your blood. This makes it more likely that you will experience side effects, particularly muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (a condition called myopathy). In rare cases, this can lead to serious kidney problems.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
24 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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