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Lipitor Interactions: Essential Guide to Alcohol, Drugs, Foods, and Safety Precautions

How does Lipitor interact with alcohol. What drugs should be avoided while taking Lipitor. Which foods may affect Lipitor’s effectiveness. What are the contraindications for Lipitor use. How can you minimize the risk of Lipitor interactions.

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Understanding Lipitor and Its Uses

Lipitor, also known by its generic name atorvastatin, is a widely prescribed medication used to treat high cholesterol in adults and certain children. This powerful statin drug plays a crucial role in reducing heart-related risks for adults with elevated cholesterol levels. However, like all medications, Lipitor can interact with various substances and conditions, potentially affecting its efficacy or causing unwanted side effects.

What is Lipitor’s primary function?

Lipitor belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. By doing so, Lipitor effectively lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This action helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Lipitor and Alcohol: A Cautious Combination

While there are no known direct interactions between Lipitor and alcohol, consuming alcoholic beverages while on this medication requires careful consideration. Both Lipitor and alcohol can potentially impact liver function, and combining the two may increase the risk of liver problems.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Lipitor?

Although not strictly prohibited, it’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking Lipitor. Your healthcare provider may recommend reducing your alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether, depending on your individual health status and risk factors. If you do choose to drink, moderation is key, and it’s essential to discuss safe alcohol consumption limits with your doctor.

Critical Drug Interactions with Lipitor

Lipitor can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements you’re taking before starting Lipitor treatment.

Which drugs should not be taken with Lipitor?

Several medications can interact with Lipitor, including:

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf)
  • Certain antiviral medications (e.g., glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, fosamprenavir)
  • Some antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
  • Specific antifungal drugs (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole)
  • Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate, gemfibrozil)
  • Niacin (Niacor)
  • Colchicine (Colcrys)

These medications may increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor or alter its effectiveness. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments if you’re taking any of these drugs.

Food Interactions and Dietary Considerations

While Lipitor doesn’t have many significant food interactions, certain dietary choices can affect its absorption and effectiveness. Understanding these interactions can help optimize your treatment outcomes.

Are there any foods to avoid while taking Lipitor?

While there are no strict food prohibitions with Lipitor, it’s advisable to be cautious with:

  1. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: These can increase the concentration of Lipitor in your bloodstream, potentially leading to side effects.
  2. High-fat meals: Consuming large amounts of fat may reduce Lipitor’s absorption.
  3. Alcohol: As mentioned earlier, limiting alcohol intake is recommended.

Maintaining a balanced, heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can complement Lipitor’s cholesterol-lowering effects.

Contraindications: When Lipitor Is Not Recommended

Certain health conditions and factors may preclude the use of Lipitor due to increased risks or potential harm. Understanding these contraindications is crucial for patient safety.

Who should not take Lipitor?

Lipitor is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Liver problems: Individuals with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes should not take Lipitor.
  • Pregnancy: Lipitor may cause harm to the fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding: It’s not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should avoid the medication.
  • History of allergic reactions: Those who have experienced allergic reactions to Lipitor or its ingredients should not use the drug.

If any of these conditions apply to you, your healthcare provider will explore alternative treatment options.

Managing Potential Side Effects of Lipitor

While Lipitor is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Being aware of these potential effects and knowing how to manage them can improve your treatment experience.

What are the most common side effects of Lipitor?

Common side effects of Lipitor may include:

  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • Headache
  • Mild cognitive effects (memory problems, confusion)

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve over time. However, if you experience severe muscle pain, unexplained weakness, or signs of liver problems (such as dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Optimizing Lipitor Treatment: Tips for Patients

To maximize the benefits of Lipitor while minimizing potential risks and interactions, patients can follow several key strategies. These tips can help ensure safe and effective treatment.

How can you take Lipitor safely and effectively?

Consider the following recommendations:

  1. Take Lipitor at the same time each day, preferably in the evening, as cholesterol production peaks at night.
  2. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.
  3. Maintain regular check-ups and laboratory tests as recommended by your doctor to monitor cholesterol levels and liver function.
  4. Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
  5. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.
  6. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, report them to your healthcare provider promptly.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Lipitor treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

Lipitor and Special Populations: Considerations for Specific Groups

Certain populations may require special considerations when taking Lipitor. Understanding these unique circumstances can help ensure appropriate and safe use of the medication.

How does Lipitor use differ for elderly patients?

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects from Lipitor, particularly muscle-related issues. Healthcare providers often start with lower doses in this population and gradually increase as tolerated. Regular monitoring of kidney function and potential drug interactions is crucial, as older adults are more likely to be taking multiple medications.

Can children take Lipitor?

Lipitor is approved for use in children aged 10 to 17 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition causing high cholesterol. However, the long-term effects of Lipitor on growth and development in children are not fully known. Pediatric use should be carefully monitored and prescribed only when dietary measures and other interventions have failed.

As research continues to evolve, our understanding of Lipitor’s interactions and effects on various populations grows. Staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider are key to optimizing your Lipitor treatment. Remember, while this guide provides valuable information, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on your medication regimen.

Alcohol, Other Drugs, Foods, and More

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. In addition, Lipitor can be used to reduce other heart-related risks in adults with high cholesterol.

Like other drugs, Lipitor may have interactions.

Some interactions occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.

Keep reading to learn about Lipitor’s possible interactions, including what you shouldn’t eat or drink while taking Lipitor. And for more information about Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article.

Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Lipitor. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Lipitor for you. These are known as contraindications. The list below includes contraindications of Lipitor.

If you have liver problems. You should not take Lipitor if you have liver problems, including liver disease. Statin drugs such as Lipitor can cause liver problems. If you already have liver problems, taking Lipitor may make your condition worse. Your doctor can recommend a different treatment option for you.

If you’re pregnant. You should not take Lipitor while pregnant. Statin drugs such as Lipitor may cause harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about other treatment options that are safer for you.

If you’re breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. It’s not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you.

Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Your doctor can determine whether Lipitor is safe for you to take.

There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. But your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Lipitor. Both Lipitor and alcohol can raise your risk of liver problems, so combining the two may raise your risk of liver problems even more.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe to consume during your Lipitor treatment.

Before you start taking Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The chart below lists drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Lipitor. For more information about some of these interactions, see the “Drug interactions explained” section below.

Drug group or drug nameDrug examplesWhat can happen
cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf)­—can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
antiviral medications• glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
• fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
• elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier)
• letermovir (Prevymis)
• lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)
can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain antibiotics• clarithromycin
• erythromycin (Eryc)
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain antifungals• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• ketoconazole
• fluconazole (Diflucan)
can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
fibrates• fenofibrate (Tricor)
• gemfibrozil (Lopid)
can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
niacin (Niacor)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
colchicine (Colcrys)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
birth control pills• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva)
• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
• ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva)
can increase the risk of side effects from birth control pills
digoxin (Lanoxin)can raise the risk of side effects from digoxin
rifampin (Rimactane)can make Lipitor less effective
diltiazem (Cartia XT)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain seizure medications• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
can make Lipitor less effective
leflunomide (Arava)can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
nefazodonecan increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor

Learn more about certain drug interactions that can occur with Lipitor.

Interaction with diltiazem (Cartia XT)

Lipitor may interact with a blood pressure drug called diltiazem (Cartia XT). Diltiazem belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

What could happen

Taking diltiazem with Lipitor can increase your risk of side effects from Lipitor. This is because diltiazem can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can raise your risk of side effects, including serious side effects such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.

What you can do

If you already take diltiazem, tell your doctor before starting your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more closely for symptoms of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems during your treatment. In some cases, they may prescribe a lower dose of Lipitor for you.

If you have questions about taking Lipitor with diltiazem, talk with your doctor.

Interaction with certain antifungal drugs

Lipitor can interact with a certain type of antifungal drug called azole antifungals.

Examples of azole antifungal medications include:

  • itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • ketoconazole
What could happen

Taking Lipitor with certain antifungal medications may raise your risk of side effects from Lipitor. Azole antifungals can decrease your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. In some cases, side effects may be serious, such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.

What you can do

If you need to take an antifungal drug during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor first. In some cases, they may be able to recommend specific antifungal treatments that don’t interact with Lipitor.

If you need to take an azole antifungal with Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for symptoms of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems. Or your doctor may lower your Lipitor dose.

Interaction with birth control pills

Lipitor may interact with certain birth control pills. Examples include:

  • desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva)
  • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
  • ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva)
What could happen

Taking birth control pills with Lipitor may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. This is because Lipitor can increase birth control hormone levels in your blood. This may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills.

What you can do

If you want to take Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor first. They may monitor you more closely for side effects from your birth control pills.

If you do experience more side effects than usual, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. For example, a vaginal ring such as etonogestrel ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) or a contraceptive injection such as medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) may be better options.

If you have questions about using Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor.

Lipitor may have other interactions. They could occur with foods, supplements, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Lipitor.

Does Lipitor interact with food?

You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your Lipitor treatment. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause a buildup of Lipitor in your body, which raises your risk of side effects. In some cases, these side effects may be serious, such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.

Does Lipitor interact with supplements?

Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.

Your doctor may recommend avoiding red yeast rice when you’re taking Lipitor. Red yeast rice and Lipitor work in similar ways to lower cholesterol levels. So taking the two together may increase your risk of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any supplements you take along with Lipitor. They can determine if they may be safe to take during your Lipitor treatment.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lipitor interactions with herbs

Lipitor can interact with St. John’s wort. This herbal supplement can be used to treat depression.

St. John’s wort can cause your body to break down Lipitor too quickly, which can make Lipitor less effective. If you take St. John’s wort, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it during your Lipitor treatment.

Lipitor and vitamins

There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. But this doesn’t mean that vitamin interactions won’t be recognized in the future.

For this reason, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Lipitor.

Does Lipitor interact with vaccines?

No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. If you have questions about getting specific vaccines during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Lipitor interact with lab tests?

No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But if you need to have lab tests, make sure the healthcare professional giving you the test knows about all medications you currently take. They can make sure there won’t be any interactions between your lab tests and medications.

Does Lipitor interact with cannabis or CBD?

Cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Lipitor. It’s possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount of Lipitor in your blood. This may increase your risk of side effects, including myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. Sometimes, this interaction can cause Lipitor to be less effective.

Before you start treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Lipitor is right for you.

Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Lipitor include:

Liver problems. If you have any liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Lipitor. This drug may cause liver problems. And if you already have a liver condition, taking Lipitor may make it worse. Due to this risk, if you have liver problems, your doctor will likely recommend that you take a different medication for your cholesterol.

Kidney problems. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. Lipitor can cause serious side effects, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. If you have kidney problems, you may have a higher risk of these side effects from Lipitor. If you have kidney problems and take Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your treatment.

Diabetes. In rare cases, Lipitor can raise your risk of high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking Lipitor can make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more often during your Lipitor treatment.

Stroke. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you’ve had a stroke. In rare cases, Lipitor can increase your risk of having a stroke. If you’ve recently had a stroke, your risk of having another stroke may be higher during your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor can determine if Lipitor may be safe for you.

Underactive thyroid. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have a higher risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis while taking Lipitor. If you have an underactive thyroid, talk with your doctor before taking Lipitor. They may monitor you more closely during your treatment, or they may prescribe treatment for your thyroid condition.

Pregnancy. Lipitor should not be used during pregnancy. Taking this drug while pregnant could raise the risk of problems with fetal development (commonly called birth defects). Due to these possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. At this time, it’s not known if the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Lipitor and possible interactions.

Is it safe to take Lipitor with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor along with NSAIDs. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. NSAIDs are used to treat pain, swelling, or fever. Examples of NSAIDs include:

  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen (Advil)
  • naproxen (Aleve)

If you have questions about taking NSAIDs with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Lipitor be taken along with ezetimibe (Zetia) to treat my high cholesterol?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take ezetimibe (Zetia) with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between the two drugs.

Both Lipitor and Zetia are approved to treat high cholesterol. And in some cases, taking Zetia with statin drugs such as Lipitor is recommended to treat high cholesterol.

Before you start treatment for high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend the best plan for you. In some cases, they may recommend taking Zetia and Lipitor together.

Are there interactions between Lipitor and caffeine?

It’s likely safe for you to have caffeine along with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and caffeine. Caffeine is present in certain food and drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea.

If you’d like to have caffeine while you’re taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine how much caffeine may be safe during your treatment.

Does Lipitor interact with lisinopril (Zestril)?

No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). It’s likely safe for you to take these medications together.

Lisinopril is used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking Lipitor with lisinopril.

Does Lipitor interact with the nutrient CoQ10?

No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and the nutrient CoQ10. This is an antioxidant that’s found in your body. It helps improve energy and protects your body from damage.

Statin drugs such as Lipitor may actually decrease the amount of CoQ10 in your body. This can increase your risk of certain side effects from Lipitor, such as myopathy (muscle pain) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).

Taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor may lower your risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor.

Is it safe for me to take Lipitor with sildenafil (Viagra)?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor and sildenafil (Viagra) together. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

But before you start taking Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you take. This can help prevent interactions between Viagra and your other medications.

Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Lipitor. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:

  • Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
  • What to do if you start taking a new drug during your Lipitor treatment.

It’s also important to read Lipitor’s label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. You may see colored stickers on the label that describe interactions. And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. (If you did not get paperwork with Lipitor, ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.) If you need help understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.

Taking Lipitor exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.

If you still have questions about Lipitor and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor.

Questions you may want to ask them include:

  • Do other drugs that treat my condition also have similar interactions?
  • Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment?
  • Does my risk of interactions depend on my Lipitor dosage?
  • Would spacing out my medications lower my risk of interactions?

To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:

  • All About Lipitor
  • Side Effects of Lipitor: What You Need to Know
  • Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Alcohol, Other Drugs, Foods, and More

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. In addition, Lipitor can be used to reduce other heart-related risks in adults with high cholesterol.

Like other drugs, Lipitor may have interactions.

Some interactions occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.

Keep reading to learn about Lipitor’s possible interactions, including what you shouldn’t eat or drink while taking Lipitor. And for more information about Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article.

Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Lipitor. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Lipitor for you. These are known as contraindications. The list below includes contraindications of Lipitor.

If you have liver problems. You should not take Lipitor if you have liver problems, including liver disease. Statin drugs such as Lipitor can cause liver problems. If you already have liver problems, taking Lipitor may make your condition worse. Your doctor can recommend a different treatment option for you.

If you’re pregnant. You should not take Lipitor while pregnant. Statin drugs such as Lipitor may cause harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about other treatment options that are safer for you.

If you’re breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. It’s not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you.

Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Your doctor can determine whether Lipitor is safe for you to take.

There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. But your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Lipitor. Both Lipitor and alcohol can raise your risk of liver problems, so combining the two may raise your risk of liver problems even more.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe to consume during your Lipitor treatment.

Before you start taking Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The chart below lists drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Lipitor. For more information about some of these interactions, see the “Drug interactions explained” section below.

Drug group or drug nameDrug examplesWhat can happen
cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf)­—can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
antiviral medications• glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
• fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
• elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier)
• letermovir (Prevymis)
• lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)
can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain antibiotics• clarithromycin
• erythromycin (Eryc)
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain antifungals• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• ketoconazole
• fluconazole (Diflucan)
can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
fibrates• fenofibrate (Tricor)
• gemfibrozil (Lopid)
can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
niacin (Niacor)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
colchicine (Colcrys)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
birth control pills• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva)
• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
• ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva)
can increase the risk of side effects from birth control pills
digoxin (Lanoxin)can raise the risk of side effects from digoxin
rifampin (Rimactane)can make Lipitor less effective
diltiazem (Cartia XT)can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor
certain seizure medications• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
can make Lipitor less effective
leflunomide (Arava)can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor
nefazodonecan increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor

Learn more about certain drug interactions that can occur with Lipitor.

Interaction with diltiazem (Cartia XT)

Lipitor may interact with a blood pressure drug called diltiazem (Cartia XT). Diltiazem belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

What could happen

Taking diltiazem with Lipitor can increase your risk of side effects from Lipitor. This is because diltiazem can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can raise your risk of side effects, including serious side effects such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.

What you can do

If you already take diltiazem, tell your doctor before starting your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more closely for symptoms of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems during your treatment. In some cases, they may prescribe a lower dose of Lipitor for you.

If you have questions about taking Lipitor with diltiazem, talk with your doctor.

Interaction with certain antifungal drugs

Lipitor can interact with a certain type of antifungal drug called azole antifungals.

Examples of azole antifungal medications include:

  • itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • ketoconazole
What could happen

Taking Lipitor with certain antifungal medications may raise your risk of side effects from Lipitor. Azole antifungals can decrease your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. In some cases, side effects may be serious, such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.

What you can do

If you need to take an antifungal drug during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor first. In some cases, they may be able to recommend specific antifungal treatments that don’t interact with Lipitor.

If you need to take an azole antifungal with Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for symptoms of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems. Or your doctor may lower your Lipitor dose.

Interaction with birth control pills

Lipitor may interact with certain birth control pills. Examples include:

  • desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva)
  • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
  • ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva)
What could happen

Taking birth control pills with Lipitor may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. This is because Lipitor can increase birth control hormone levels in your blood. This may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills.

What you can do

If you want to take Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor first. They may monitor you more closely for side effects from your birth control pills.

If you do experience more side effects than usual, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. For example, a vaginal ring such as etonogestrel ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) or a contraceptive injection such as medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) may be better options.

If you have questions about using Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor.

Lipitor may have other interactions. They could occur with foods, supplements, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Lipitor.

Does Lipitor interact with food?

You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your Lipitor treatment. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause a buildup of Lipitor in your body, which raises your risk of side effects. In some cases, these side effects may be serious, such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.

Does Lipitor interact with supplements?

Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.

Your doctor may recommend avoiding red yeast rice when you’re taking Lipitor. Red yeast rice and Lipitor work in similar ways to lower cholesterol levels. So taking the two together may increase your risk of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any supplements you take along with Lipitor. They can determine if they may be safe to take during your Lipitor treatment.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lipitor interactions with herbs

Lipitor can interact with St. John’s wort. This herbal supplement can be used to treat depression.

St. John’s wort can cause your body to break down Lipitor too quickly, which can make Lipitor less effective. If you take St. John’s wort, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it during your Lipitor treatment.

Lipitor and vitamins

There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. But this doesn’t mean that vitamin interactions won’t be recognized in the future.

For this reason, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Lipitor.

Does Lipitor interact with vaccines?

No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. If you have questions about getting specific vaccines during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Lipitor interact with lab tests?

No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But if you need to have lab tests, make sure the healthcare professional giving you the test knows about all medications you currently take. They can make sure there won’t be any interactions between your lab tests and medications.

Does Lipitor interact with cannabis or CBD?

Cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Lipitor. It’s possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount of Lipitor in your blood. This may increase your risk of side effects, including myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. Sometimes, this interaction can cause Lipitor to be less effective.

Before you start treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Lipitor is right for you.

Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Lipitor include:

Liver problems. If you have any liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Lipitor. This drug may cause liver problems. And if you already have a liver condition, taking Lipitor may make it worse. Due to this risk, if you have liver problems, your doctor will likely recommend that you take a different medication for your cholesterol.

Kidney problems. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. Lipitor can cause serious side effects, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. If you have kidney problems, you may have a higher risk of these side effects from Lipitor. If you have kidney problems and take Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your treatment.

Diabetes. In rare cases, Lipitor can raise your risk of high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking Lipitor can make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more often during your Lipitor treatment.

Stroke. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you’ve had a stroke. In rare cases, Lipitor can increase your risk of having a stroke. If you’ve recently had a stroke, your risk of having another stroke may be higher during your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor can determine if Lipitor may be safe for you.

Underactive thyroid. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have a higher risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis while taking Lipitor. If you have an underactive thyroid, talk with your doctor before taking Lipitor. They may monitor you more closely during your treatment, or they may prescribe treatment for your thyroid condition.

Pregnancy. Lipitor should not be used during pregnancy. Taking this drug while pregnant could raise the risk of problems with fetal development (commonly called birth defects). Due to these possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. At this time, it’s not known if the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Lipitor and possible interactions.

Is it safe to take Lipitor with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor along with NSAIDs. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. NSAIDs are used to treat pain, swelling, or fever. Examples of NSAIDs include:

  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen (Advil)
  • naproxen (Aleve)

If you have questions about taking NSAIDs with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Lipitor be taken along with ezetimibe (Zetia) to treat my high cholesterol?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take ezetimibe (Zetia) with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between the two drugs.

Both Lipitor and Zetia are approved to treat high cholesterol. And in some cases, taking Zetia with statin drugs such as Lipitor is recommended to treat high cholesterol.

Before you start treatment for high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend the best plan for you. In some cases, they may recommend taking Zetia and Lipitor together.

Are there interactions between Lipitor and caffeine?

It’s likely safe for you to have caffeine along with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and caffeine. Caffeine is present in certain food and drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea.

If you’d like to have caffeine while you’re taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine how much caffeine may be safe during your treatment.

Does Lipitor interact with lisinopril (Zestril)?

No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). It’s likely safe for you to take these medications together.

Lisinopril is used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking Lipitor with lisinopril.

Does Lipitor interact with the nutrient CoQ10?

No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and the nutrient CoQ10. This is an antioxidant that’s found in your body. It helps improve energy and protects your body from damage.

Statin drugs such as Lipitor may actually decrease the amount of CoQ10 in your body. This can increase your risk of certain side effects from Lipitor, such as myopathy (muscle pain) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).

Taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor may lower your risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor.

Is it safe for me to take Lipitor with sildenafil (Viagra)?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor and sildenafil (Viagra) together. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

But before you start taking Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you take. This can help prevent interactions between Viagra and your other medications.

Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Lipitor. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:

  • Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
  • What to do if you start taking a new drug during your Lipitor treatment.

It’s also important to read Lipitor’s label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. You may see colored stickers on the label that describe interactions. And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. (If you did not get paperwork with Lipitor, ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.) If you need help understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.

Taking Lipitor exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.

If you still have questions about Lipitor and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor.

Questions you may want to ask them include:

  • Do other drugs that treat my condition also have similar interactions?
  • Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment?
  • Does my risk of interactions depend on my Lipitor dosage?
  • Would spacing out my medications lower my risk of interactions?

To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:

  • All About Lipitor
  • Side Effects of Lipitor: What You Need to Know
  • Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Concerta vs. Adderall: differences and side effects

  • Are Concerta and Adderall the same thing?
  • What are the possible side effects of the concert?
  • What are the possible side effects of Adderall?
  • What is a concert?
  • What is Adderall?
  • What drugs interact with Concerta?
  • What medicines interact with Adderall?
  • How should a concert be received?
  • How should I take Adderall?

Are Concerta and Adderall the same thing?

Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release tablets) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts) are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy.

keflex 500mg 3 times a day

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant and Adderall is an amphetamine.

What are the possible side effects of the concert?

Common side effects of Concerta include:

  • abdominal pain,
  • loss of appetite,
  • Headache,
  • dry mouth,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting ,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • anxiety,
  • dizziness,
  • weight loss,
  • irritability,
  • vision problems,
  • skin rash,
  • nervousness,
  • numbness/tingling/coldness in hands or feet, and
  • sweating.

What are the possible side effects of Adderall?

Common side effects of Adderall include:

  • nervousness,
  • anxiety,
  • excitability,
  • irritability,
  • excitement
  • dizziness, 90 004
  • Headache,
  • fear,
  • anxiety, 9
  • anxiety
  • tremor,
  • weakness,
  • blurred vision,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • dry mouth or bad taste in mouth,
  • diarrhea ,
  • constipation,
  • abdominal pain,
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • hair loss
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • loss of interest in sex 03 impotence
  • difficulty with orgasm,
  • increased blood pressure,
  • increased heart rate, and
  • increased heart rate.

What is a concert?

Concerta is a prescription drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerta may help increase attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD patients.

Concerta should be used as part of an overall ADHD treatment program that may include counseling or other treatments.

Concerta is a federally controlled (CII) substance because it can be abused or addicted. Keep Concerta in a safe place to avoid misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Concerta may cause harm to others and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have ever abused (or have a family history of) abuse or addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall may help increase attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD patients.

Adderall should be used as part of an overall ADHD treatment program that may include counseling or other treatments.

Adderall is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Adderall is a federally controlled (CII) substance because it can be abused or addicted. Keep Adderall in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Adderall may cause harm to others and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have ever abused (or have a family history of) or were addicted to alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs.

What drugs interact with Concerta?

Tell your doctor if you or your child is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Concerta and some medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines need to be adjusted while taking Concerta.

Your doctor will decide if you can take Concerta with other medicines.

Tell your doctor especially if you or your child are taking:

  • antidepressant drugs, including MAOIs
  • withdraw drugs
  • blood thinners
  • blood pressure drugs
  • cold or allergy medicines containing decongestants

Know what medicines you or your child are taking. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Concerta without talking to your doctor first.

What drugs interact with Adderall?

Tell your doctor if you or your child is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

what the gel is used for

Can Adderall be taken with other medicines?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Adderall and some medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes while taking Adderall, it is necessary to adjust the doses of other medicines.

Your doctor will decide if Adderall can be taken with other medicines.

Tell your doctor especially if you or your child are taking:

  • medicines for depression, including MAOIs
  • medicines for blood pressure
  • withdraw medicines
  • blood thinners
  • cold or allergy medicines containing decongestants
  • stomach acids

Know what medicines you or your child are taking. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicines while taking Adderall without talking to your doctor first.

How should a concert be received?

Take Concerta exactly as directed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Do not chew, crush or split tablets.

Swallow Concerta tablets whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow Concerta whole. You may need to prescribe another medication.

Concerta can be taken with or without food.

Take Concerta once daily in the morning. The Concerta is an extended edition tablet. It releases the medicine into your child or baby’s body throughout the day.

Concerta tablet does not completely dissolve in the body after all the medicine has been released. You or your child may occasionally notice an empty tablet during a bowel movement. This is fine.

From time to time your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment with Concerta to check for symptoms of ADHD.

Your doctor may check your blood, heart, and blood pressure regularly while taking Concerta. Children should have their height and weight checked frequently while taking Concerta. Concert treatment may be increased if a problem is found during these checkups.

If you or your child has taken too much Concerta or Verdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency help.

How should I take Adderall?

Take Adderall exactly as directed.

Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Adderall tablets are usually taken two to three times a day. The first dose is usually taken in the morning when you first wake up. During the day, you can take one or two more doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.

Adderall may be taken with or without food.

From time to time your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment with Adderall to check for symptoms of ADHD.

Your doctor may check your blood, heart, and blood pressure regularly while you take Adderall. While taking Adderall, children should have their height and weight checked frequently. Adderall treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these examinations.

If you or your child has taken too much Adderall or an overdose, call your doctor or poison control center or get emergency help right away.

Disclaimer

All drug information provided on RxList.com is sourced directly from drug monographs published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Any drug information published on RxList.com regarding general drug information, drug side effects, drug use, dosage, etc. is taken from the original drug documentation contained in his FDA drug monograph.

what lipitor preparations are used for

The drug information contained in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily derived from the FDA drug information. The drug comparison information contained in this article does not contain data from human or animal clinical trials conducted by any of the drug manufacturers comparing drugs.

The drug comparison information provided does not cover all potential uses, warnings, drug interactions, side effects, adverse or allergic reactions. RxList.com is not responsible for the health care provided to a person based on the information posted on this site.