Azithromycin + Atorvastatin = Unknown or no reaction

Effect on Concentration

Azithromycin
Unknown
Applies within class?
No
Atorvastatin
No change
Applies within class?
No

Pharmacologic Effects

Azithromycin
Effect
N/A
Applies within class?
No
Atorvastatin
Effect
N/A
Applies within class?
No

Interaction History

N/A

Last Updated 22-May-2020

Summary

Azithromycin appears to have no effect on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin.

Sources

A Study of the Interaction Potential of Azithromycin and Clarithromycin With Atorvastatin in Healthy Volunteers ^

Study Design

Atorvastatin is a common option among the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for the treatment of lipid disorders because of its excellent lipid-lowering efficacy and overall safety profile. Although these agents can rarely cause rhabdomyolysis by themselves, macrolides, among other agents, have been demonstrated to increase the likelihood of this via inhibition of CYP metabolism of the lipid agent. This study investigated the potential for azithromycin and clarithromycin to inhibit the metabolism of atorvastatin.

Study Results

Although there was no interaction between azithromycin and atorvastatin, clarithromycin did have a significant effect on atorvastatin pharmacokinetic parameters. When coadministered, clarithromycin raised subject exposure (AUC24) by 82 and peak plasma concentrations by 56.

Study Conclusions

hese data suggest that while azithromycin appears to be safe to coadminister with atorvastatin, clarithromycin should be avoided in patients taking this and similarly metabolized HMG-CoA inhibitors.

References

Amsden GW. A study of the interaction potential of azithromycin and clarithromycin with atorvastatin in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002; 4: 444-9.