Amlodipine can modestly increase atorvastatin blood levels, which may slightly raise the risk of statin-related side effects. However, this combination is very commonly prescribed together for patients with both high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and is generally well-tolerated.
How This Interaction Works (Mechanism)
Amlodipine is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, the primary enzyme responsible for atorvastatin metabolism. Co-administration can increase atorvastatin area under the curve (AUC) by approximately 18 percent. While this is a measurable pharmacokinetic interaction, it is not clinically significant for most patients at standard doses. A fixed-dose combination product (Caduet) containing both drugs is FDA-approved.
Source: Caduet (Amlodipine/Atorvastatin) Prescribing Information, Pfizer, 2024
This combination is generally safe and is commonly used in clinical practice. The FDA recommends limiting atorvastatin to 20 mg daily when used with amlodipine in some situations, though many patients tolerate higher doses. Report any muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine to your doctor. Regular liver function and cholesterol monitoring should continue as usual.
Check More Drug Interactions
Use our free interaction checker to search thousands of drug, supplement, and food combinations.
Open Interaction CheckerFrequently Asked Questions
Atorvastatin and Amlodipine have a mild interaction. In most cases, they can be taken together with appropriate precautions, but you should discuss the combination with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safety based on your individual health profile.
Amlodipine can modestly increase atorvastatin blood levels, which may slightly raise the risk of statin-related side effects. However, this combination is very commonly prescribed together for patients with both high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and is generally well-tolerated.
Yes. Anytime you are taking multiple medications, supplements, or substances, you should inform your doctor and pharmacist. They can evaluate your specific risk factors (age, kidney function, other medications, medical conditions) and determine whether the Atorvastatin and Amlodipine combination is safe for you, or whether adjustments are needed.
Related Resources
- Supplement interactions with Atorvastatin on Health Britannica
- Supplement interactions with Amlodipine on Health Britannica
- Atorvastatin prices and pharmacy comparison on RxGrab
- Amlodipine prices and pharmacy comparison on RxGrab
- Full drug interaction checker tool
Get Drug Safety Alerts
Subscribe to receive updates on FDA warnings, new drug interactions, and patient safety information.