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Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin
Can you take these together?

🇺🇸 Based on FDA Data · Free
🚨
Do Not Combine
Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin

These medications are contraindicated. Do not take together without medical supervision.

📊 Data Sources
🇺🇸FDA openFDA API — Drug interaction data sourced from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's official drug label database (openFDA). The same data used by U.S. healthcare professionals. FDA official site →
🇰🇷MFDS DUR API (Korea) — Contraindication data from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Drug Utilization Review public API. Covers 44,000+ medications. MFDS official site →

⚕️ This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medications.

🔍 Check Another Combination
💊 Drug Information
Statin / Cholesterol-loweringAtorvastatin(Atorvastatin (Lipitor))

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is one of the world's most prescribed statins, used to reduce LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

🔬 How It Works

Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, reducing cholesterol synthesis and upregulating LDL receptors to clear LDL from the bloodstream. More potent than simvastatin at equivalent doses.

💡 Common Uses
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • Prevention of heart attack and stroke
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia
⚡ Side Effects
  • Muscle pain, weakness (myopathy)
  • Liver enzyme elevation
  • Headache, GI upset
  • Rare: rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
  • May slightly raise blood sugar
⚠ Caution: Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis risk with CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, grapefruit). Report muscle symptoms promptly.
Macrolide AntibioticClarithromycin(Clarithromycin (Biaxin))

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and H. pylori ulcers (with other drugs).

🔬 How It Works

Clarithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. It is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, a liver enzyme responsible for metabolizing many medications — causing significant drug interactions.

💡 Common Uses
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Strep throat and skin infections
  • H. pylori eradication (with PPI)
  • Sinusitis
  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in HIV patients
⚡ Side Effects
  • Nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset (common)
  • Taste disturbances (bitter/metallic taste)
  • QT interval prolongation (heart rhythm)
  • Liver enzyme elevation
  • Drug interactions via CYP3A4 inhibition
⚠ Caution: Major interactions with statins (simvastatin contraindicated), warfarin, digoxin, and many others via CYP3A4 inhibition. QT prolongation risk.

💊 Drug Interaction Safety Guide

What is a Drug Interaction?

A drug interaction occurs when one medication affects the activity of another when taken simultaneously. This can increase or decrease the effectiveness of a drug, or cause unexpected side effects. Over-the-counter medications, supplements, and even foods can also interact with prescription drugs.

3 Types of Drug Interactions

  • Pharmacodynamic — Two drugs act on the same receptor, amplifying or canceling each other's effects
  • Pharmacokinetic — One drug affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of another (CYP450 enzyme interactions are common)
  • Physicochemical — Drugs bind together, reducing efficacy or forming toxic compounds

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

Difficulty breathing or chest painSevere dizziness or faintingUnusual bleeding or bruisingSevere nausea, vomiting, or stomach painJaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)Severe hives or swellingSudden muscle pain or weaknessConfusion or loss of consciousness

Food & Drug Interactions

  • Grapefruit — Inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes, raising blood levels of statins, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants
  • Alcohol — Interacts with most drugs including sedatives, pain relievers, and blood thinners; increases liver burden
  • Dairy & Calcium — Impairs absorption of tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics, and thyroid medications
  • Vitamin K-rich foods (leafy greens) — Weakens warfarin's blood-thinning effect; maintain consistent daily intake

Before Taking Any Medication

  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you take (prescription, OTC, supplements, herbal products)
  • Disclose if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Take medications with water — avoid juice, milk, or alcohol
  • Follow dosage instructions carefully — never double a missed dose
  • Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve
This guide provides general educational information and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized medication guidance, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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